RISEN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Risen—opening scenes do not give a good hint whether the movie will rise to the top or fall flat—leaves it audience with the feeling that they were not entertained because of its less than impactful delivery. The strongest actors are Joseph Fiennes and Cliff Curtis. Curtis, who plays Jesus, does not have a large part in the movie but has been well-chosen by the casting department as he comes across as non-ostentatious. That humble, simple delivery allows an authenticity to his interpretation of his character that serves the movie well.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline 

A Roman leader is given an order to find the missing body of Jesus. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kevin Reynolds for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Holroyd and Robert Huberman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), Lucius (Tom Felton), Pilate (Peter Firth), Yeshua (Cliff Curtis), Mary Magdalene (Maria Botto), Joses (Luis Callejo), Joseph of Arimathea (Antonio Gil), Polybius (Richard Atwill), Peter (Stewart Scudamore), Quintus (Andy Gathergood), Bartholomew (Stephen Hagan), John (Mish Boyko), Thomas/Dydimus (Jan Cornet), Simon the Canaanite (Joe Manjón), and Thaddeus (Pepe Lorente). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The concept is interesting as it explores the Roman side of the story of the aftereffects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But, other than an examination of the possibilities of that concept, this film can be skipped. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers