This is not your grandfather’s 1950’s Ben-Hur. This will upset many fans of the classic movie. You will especially find this to be the case among the elite critics of our day. However, if you toss aside comparisons to the original, you may find a pretty decent night at the movies. This is especially the case if you are looking for a little Christian message in your action fantasy films. Seriously, how often can someone say that? Oh tonight, we are going to watch an all-out action big budget Christian movie. Yet, that is exactly one of the major appeals of this version of Ben-Hur.
So first, the action is pretty great when it is happening. Between the giant sea battle and the climactic chariot race at the end we have two of the all-time best (and only J) action scenes in a Christian movie! But, even if they were not being put in the context of Christian movies, the action scenes are a delight. For me this is the case because I have seen thousands of car chases in action movies, and only a handful of chariot chases in ancient times. Thus, the novelty of this type of action is still quite high. The same would go for the naval battle at the beginning of the film.
Are the plot, acting, and writing perfect in this movie? Not even close. However, I still was able to enjoy what was happening on screen without much of the cringing I find myself doing in those heavy handed Christian message movies. I am a Christian myself, but when they lay it on so thick in other Christian movies, it just feels sooooo fake! I did not get that same feeling here and that is a very good thing!
All in all, we have a classic tale retold with modern action and set pieces. It is quite a spectacle to behold if for no other reason than the action is novel enough to be interesting, and the morals are good enough to be called a Christian movie. For me, that means a pretty decent night at the movies.
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