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Kevin Reynolds’ new movie Risen given one and a half stars by Leigh Paatsch

EVEN taking into account well-known family ties, Christ himself would be wondering if there is a God after enduring this lifeless cinematic affair.

Miracles can’t save movie Risen
Miracles can’t save movie Risen

RISEN (M)

Director: Kevin Reynolds (Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves)

Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Cliff Curtis, Peter Firth, Tom Felton, Maria Botto.

Rating: 1 1/2

A meek slap to the faith

I’m reliably informed that TV back in the year 33 A.D. wasn’t much chop.

However, if this wacky episode of CSI: Jerusalem had aired across the Roman Empire back then, it would have rated its lace-up sandals off.

It’s just another good Friday down at Crucifixion Scene Investigations HQ until word reaches precinct boss Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth) that a recently deceased religious agitator is very much alive, and rousing rabbles all over town.

The rogue prophet is an unemployed carpenter who will one day become popularly known as Jesus Christ.

However, in this depiction of the days between his surprise resurrection and mysterious ascension to heaven, he will be referred to as a no-good Nazarene named Yeshua (Cliff Curtis),

Pilate throws the case file at his best officer in the field, a try-hard Tribune called Clavius (Joseph Fiennes and his vast array of I-see-it-but-I-don’t-believe-it looks).

He was there when Yeshua supposedly drew his last breath, and Clavius can’t quite fathom these first-person sightings of a dead man walking.

A FIENNES PREDICAMENT JOSEPH IS IN

EVERY CURRENT MOVIE RELEASE REVIEWED

Joseph Fiennes plays Clavius as he leads his Roman soldiers in a scene from TriStar Pictures' Risen.
Joseph Fiennes plays Clavius as he leads his Roman soldiers in a scene from TriStar Pictures' Risen.

However, once Clavius infiltrates an Apostles roadshow stalking the mischievous Messiah, what seemed quite ridiculous soon looks downright miraculous.

Speaking of miracles, you would have to chain at least five of them together to save Risen from slowly falling to an agonisingly dull death.

Director Kevin Reynolds doesn’t seem to realise he has one of western religion’s ripping-est yarns on his hands. Instead, he gives us yet another movie Jesus that is nothing more than long hair and knowing stares.

On the subject of Jesus are Stephen Hagan as Cleopas and Joseph Fiennes as Clavius.
On the subject of Jesus are Stephen Hagan as Cleopas and Joseph Fiennes as Clavius.

Even taking into account well-known family ties, Christ himself would be wondering if there is a God after enduring this lifeless affair.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/movies/leigh-paatsch/kevin-reynolds-new-movie-risen-given-one-and-a-half-stars-by-leigh-paatsch/news-story/7b59922afcc9d9f53d73fd1c1806f53c