See it at the Movies

BEN-HUR

By Don Fowler
Posted 8/24/16

* * * * (Joyce) * * * (Don) (Retelling of classic biblical story) We remembered the closing chariot race, with Charlton Heston beating his brother and showing the nasty Romans a thing or two. Jack Huston is Judah Ben-Hur this time around, and he

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See it at the Movies

BEN-HUR

Posted

* * * * (Joyce)

* * * (Don)

(Retelling of classic biblical story)

We remembered the closing chariot race, with Charlton Heston beating his brother and showing the nasty Romans a thing or two.

Jack Huston is Judah Ben-Hur this time around, and he makes a believable hero as he fights his "brother" Messala Severus, not only in the chariot race but in the race for complete dominance by the Romans against the people of Jerusalem.

Messala was adopted by Judah's wealthy Jewish family, and the two grew up as loving brothers who always liked to compete against each other. Messala develops a different political viewpoint and leaves his family to fight for the Romans, quickly rising to a place of power in their army.

Judah takes the blame for the assassination attempt of Pilate and is sent to a galley ship, where he escapes five years later, only to wash up on the shore of Ilderim (Morgan Freeman), an African chariot racer and gambler. The two bond, as Ben-Hur shows his ability as a chariot driver. All this leads to the climactic race.

There are many biblical references, and Jesus becomes a central character in the story, which leads to his crucifixion.

The scenery is spectacular and the chariot race is exciting. I thought the movie dragged a bit, but Joyce was with it all the way.

There are interesting references to the caste system, alluding to "the poor are always with us" quote from the Bible, and the subtle difference between "peace" and "freedom.”

Rated PG-13, with some violence and intense scenes.

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