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EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

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* * * ½ (Joyce)

* * * (Don)

(Violent biblical

spectacle)

With memories of Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea in “The Ten Commandments,” we watched the modern version of the Book of Exodus in 3D, with spectacular scenes enhanced by modern film technology.

Christian Bale plays Moses as an action hero, leading his people out of slavery, talking to God through his emissary, a young boy, going head to head with Rameses and killing hundreds along the way.

The movie was shot in Egypt, the Canary Islands and Spain, enhanced by hundreds of special effects folks who made the spectacle quite spectacular. Credits tell us that over 15,000 people worked on the film.

If you like spectacle, you’ll be overwhelmed by many of the scenes, which appear to have “a cast of thousands.” The two-hour and 22-minute epic opens with a bloody battle scene and closes with an exciting chase scene. Thousands of people die along the way, both in battle and as a result of the pestilence that God sends down on Egypt, enhanced by 3D effects…if you wish to spend the extra money.

It is the age-old story of the haves and have-nots, prejudice toward the Hebrew nations and the ultimate rising up of poor people held in servitude. Our memories of the Old Testament Bible stories come across as a bit different than we were taught, as Moses comes face to face with the burning bush, “parts” the Red Sea (We thought the scene was very creative and very different from “The Ten Commandments”) and eventually pens the Ten Commandments. The one quote we liked was, “Men who crave power are the least able to handle it,” which brings the ancient tale up to date.

Director Ridley Scott has pulled out all the stops when it comes to telling the epic story. The panoramic shots are truly awesome and great attention is paid to the smallest detail, whether it be dress, hairstyle, customs or living conditions.

Whether or not you like this movie will depend on your perception of the biblical story. We were used to a kinder, gentler Moses, not one with so much anger and vengeance. And the concept of Moses talking to God through a young boy was quite unusual.

This version of Exodus is certainly over the top, while being intense and exciting and not dwelling much on the religious aspects. Our feeling is that whether or not you like it depends largely on your own background and experience with the Old Testament.

Rated PG-13, with excessive violence.

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