| Rotten (145). Film Review: ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ An improbably Anglo-led cast aside, Ridley Scott's Old Testament epic is a genuinely imposing spectacle. As the film progresses and we delve further into religious territory things do get somewhat less visually impressive and more...errmm...religious? We don't even know the specific period all this was supposed to have taken place because yet again, the Bible doesn't say. If you're willing to treat Exodus… as a brainless blockbuster, you'll be on pretty safe ground. The invasion of frogs, ditto, accept for some closeups on real frogs, same with the locusts. nah. ), but don't try and do it with Bible stories because it doesn't really work. I mean for goodness' sake. Forgot your password? Sadly, by the time we get to much of the action, it doesn't have any weight. Why build such a real world if you're not going to populate it with interesting people? Same could also be said for John Turturro who looked fab as Seti I, and of course Ben Kingsley who always fits in any historical epic of any time period, its virtually an obligatory move to cast the man. Slant Magazine Eric Henderson. possibly from Sunday school?? |, February 2, 2021 Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. The strange portrayal of God as a mysterious young child, well-played by Isaac Andrews, is compelling. Well he was pissed because he had been forced into the decision by Moses' best mate God, who had earlier reigned down a whole load of badassery upon them. When Ramses becomes pharaoh, Moses is his most-trusted adviser. Christian Bale plays an intense Moses in Ridley Scott's Biblical epic, Exodus. You know, Ramesses is looking for Moses the outlaw, the rebel, he's executing the villagers left right and centre to try and get them to reveal him. Coming down from the mountain with skepticism, Exodus ultimately leaves … Coming Soon. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Exodus: Gods And Kings opens in the city of Memphis on the western bank of the River Nile. Then you have the entire finale, yikes! and the Terms and Policies, Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! I don't think she will have had enough biscuits and tea to go around. The Biblical aspect would obviously lure in the religious crowd (and their money), but essentially this wasn't for them, methinks. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. An engrossing film that is a rewarding watch. and it should be the fabric of the film...but it isn't, they virtually cut all that crap out! Being a Scott epic there was never a doubt in my mind this film wouldn't look awesomely slick, and I was correct, this film does indeed look awesomely slick. Moses returns from exile and demands that Ramses let his people go, but the arrogant ruler is unmoved, leading to a battle of divine wills. Its this Braveheart/Excalibur-esque act that causes the seas to slowly recede. As for historical accuracy, well that's the tricky bit isn't it because no one really knows if any of this is actually true, or real. Watch more Ridley Scott Explains Why He Made 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' in New Featurette The climactic chase to the Red Sea is equally spectacular. Pretty much a suicide mission and had left Zipporah and their son to fend for themselves. All rights reserved. action, PG-13 (Intense Images|Battle Sequences|Violence), adventure, The familiar story of Moses who after struggling with his destiny accepts his Hebrew roots and with the help of God leads his enslaved people out of bondage and Egypt to freedom. But does it work? Regal drama, Chernin Entertainment, Maybe some little CGI devils running around and killing children? Exodus: Gods and Kings is playing in both 2D and 3D theaters, but whether the premium charge is worthwhile will be up to the viewer. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy I mean, Moses is supposed to be the messenger of God (along with Aaron) but for the most part he seems more in the dark with what's going on around him, an onlooker who doesn't agree with God over certain things. Arriving just in time for ritual slaughter is Ridley Scott’s update on the Moses fable with Exodus: Gods and Kings, an epic reveling in its white-washed glamour casting, a detail which ends as a faux pas eclipsed by the rather banal treatment on hand. | Rating: 2.5/5 The reliance on CGI becomes greater for the ten plagues naturally, we less of the beautiful Egyptian cities and culture in all its glory as we focus more on Moses and his people in rags, and of course things just become more fanciful. |. Read reviews and buy Exodus: Gods and Kings (Blu-ray + Digital) at Target. He also looks nothing like a person from this era in my opinion, I'm not saying I know what Hebrew people from around 1300 BC would look like, but Bale just doesn't seem to fit this look if you ask me, he also looks too modern if that makes any sense. |, January 2, 2015 The net result is that Exodus: Gods and Kings will cause far more people to lose faith in Hollywood's ability to create biblical epics than it will in God. The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review. The sensational portrayal of the jealous and merciless Pharaoh Ramses by Joel Edgerton is a real scene-stealing, he is quite impressive in wonderfully understated turn. The one thing that people approaching Exodus: Gods and Kings from either a religious or secular background will be able to agree upon is a lack of faith in Scott's devotion to making a good film. Scott tried to give the "epic" treatment to the Moses story, and failed. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy This is spectacular entertainment, practically a theme park ride, that could have used more spirituality and soul. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. After I reviewed the movie, I placed it in my recycle bin. Its all standard stuff until God steps in and tips the scales with his Godly powers, bit one sided I thought. All Critics (209) This was the worst christian movie I ever reviewed. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Accusations of racism over the casting of this blockbuster are the least of … This one's in the lower third. Ridley Scott took far too many liberties and the acts of Moses are not as illustrated in the Bible. Irónicamente, la ola de muerte levantada por las diez plagas le da algo de vida a la película, pero es algo meramente visual como ver el agua transformarse en sangre o a una manada de cocodrilos comerse entre sí. EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS has a somber, dreary quality, punctuated by a thrumming, droning music score. Ridley Scott took far too many liberties and the acts of Moses are not as illustrated in the Bible. The 2D AVC 2.40:1 1080p encode is a true work of art, … John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley add support in this sometimes campy and shallow, sometimes solemn, but mostly absorbing interpretation of the story of Moses. Well...they were pretty much all heavily CGI, aaand that's that. Does beg the question, why would God willingly kill children? Too solemn in its mighty grandeur, Scott's treatment seems already mummified. Even though all of the contrived melodrama and less than ardent acting, Scott's direction makes EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS a valuable piece of filmmaking. Errr...K, what the hell is she suppose to say or think about that?! Ridley Scott ‘s Exodus: Gods and Kings doesn’t need to be a chapter-and-verse retelling of the Book of Exodus nor does the movie need to back everything up … Controversy and constant déjà-vus aside, the latest telling sure is gorgeous but can leave you feeling empty. As for Biblical accuracy, well starters I don't believe Moses has ever been depicted as a hardened, sword wielding badass in the Egyptian army, plus we never really see him with a staff, he's mostly got his ornate sword. Joel Edgerton of Australia of all places, actually did look right in his role I thought, its all in his eyes, along with the makeup he actually did look very ethnically authentic I thought, surprising sure, but credit where credits due. Sir Ridley Scott visually stunning vastly underrated take on the traditional biblical events surrounding the Exodus & the story of Moses. |, March 21, 2017 It was very much pleasurable seeing all those buildings and ancient Egyptian construction work in such detail. Moses leads the Hebrews through a mountain pass because essentially he's lost and hasn't got a bloody clue where to go (no pillars of smoke or fire here folks). Hey come on now, surely you all know this? Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton are quite good together as Moses and Ramses, and there are a couple nice … | Rating: C Exodus: Gods and Kings, review: Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton give full-blooded performances. a very odd semi-realistic religious adaptation. Seems like a risky thing to do considering you only just heard about this claim, of your own birth, not so long ago. A numbing and soulless spectacle of 3-D, computer-generated imagery run amok, Ridley Scott ’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings” presents an enduring tale by pummeling us over the head with it. Sounds cool but no, nothing like that, all we got was a large shadow that slowly engulfs the Egyptian city bit by bit, literately taking life like snuffing out light. The story of Moses is being brought to the big screen in a more grand yet more "accessable" fashion. Cinemark The scenes depicting ancient Egypt are truly stunning to say the least, as are the spectacular battles scenes. Ridley Scott remains a director with a wide range of topics, but also of quality. The Egyptian character of Viceroy Hegep is completely invented for the film, this slimy guy is the one who reveals Moses birth secret to Ramesses in order to gain his favour (stereotypical baddie). Then he just pops up with a gazillion people in tow and expects everything to be fine and dandy. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. Exodus: Gods and Kings review – holy Moses, wholly acceptable for the devout. Exodus: Gods and Kings review – biblical epic drowned by its dramatic failings. No amount of pretty visuals can mask clunky dialogue and thinly veiled characters. |, January 9, 2015 Astute direction by Scott, with terrific supporting performances from John Turturro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Aaron Paul, Maria Valverde, Dar Salim, and Sigourney Weaver. Dare I touch on the casting here? |, January 9, 2015 Sadly, by the time we get to much of the action, it doesn't have any weight. Ridley Scott, 118 mins, starring: Christian Bale, … Yes, there is spectacle, although the initially promising parting of the Red Sea is almost drowned by waves of climactic silliness. This was the worst christian movie I ever reviewed. Whilst the Hebrews are desperately crossing Moses stays behind, half way across, to have a one to one face-off against Ramesses as the huge tidal wave of sea comes crashing back into place, because its clearly an action flick. We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future. Moses' tale of taking the Hebrews out of Egypt and slavery makes for some massive eye candy scenes of course. Miraculous things that take place are very much down to earth looking in the film, such as the parting of the Red Sea, Moses talking to himself when he's actually talking to God, Moses essentially getting lost during the Exodus, and each of the plagues being explained as natural disasters that have each had a knock-on effect. A film awash in dubious logic and problematic decisions. I've said this so many times now, but this wasn't a bad film, just very average, looks great in places, but still totally average. history, EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS is a great opportunity for those who love the story of Exodus to tell their friends and loved ones the rest of the story. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. [T]he visual spectacle is reason enough to see Exodus: Gods and Kings. So what are you left with? We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. Moses intervenes when Ramesses threatens to cut Miriam's arm off for not speaking the truth about Moses background, but why would he do this when he's not even sure himself. Highly Recommended. The one thing that people approaching Exodus: Gods and Kings from either a religious or secular background will be able to agree upon is a lack of faith in Scott's devotion to making a good film. While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions. not that she had much to do anyway. It primarily seems to exist to host its excellent action sequences. The rivers ran red with CGI blood, the hail storms were impressively CGI, the swarms of flies were actually less impressive CGI. Oh boy, religion, a scary word. Oh and someone actually cast Ewen Bremner as an Egyptian! Movie Review. I could still detect his Scottish accent for God's sake...errr! The film features a number of visually stunning scenes, but above all else, Scott's Exodus movie is still a straightforward drama - meaning that the primary focus is on its human characters. They praised its acting performances and technical achievements, but criticized its pacing, thin screenwriting, and lack of character development. Even if we don't consider the racial problems in casting, the emotional motivations are flimsy at best. Ravishing cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, and an evocative score by Alberto Iglesias. Sign up here. | Rating: 2/5 Why build such a real world if you're not going to populate it with interesting people? Obviously a religious offering, but in order to make it more appealing to the masses, they toned down the religious parts and made it more of a historical disaster flick with a fantasy element. | Rating: 6.5/10 A film awash in dubious logic and problematic decisions. Some of that shines through in this screenplay. In terms of sheer scale, Ridley has succeeded in his endeavours. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Amazingly both Moses and Ramesses survive this whilst every other human and animal is killed. It is funny how this religious tale does in fact turn into a very Robin Hood-esque action flick midway through. I'm afraid the same could be said for Sigourney Weaver who sounds all wrong and actually acts badly to boot! Exodus: Gods and Kings is, of course, based (sometimes quite loosely) on the biblical book of Exodus. Don't have an account? 38. can I say that? You'll feel like you're sitting through a boring sermon, delivered by somebody who had too much to drink the night before and just wants to go back to bed. | Top Critics (63) The story of Moses rising up against the Pharaoh Ramses and leading hundreds of thousands of Hebrew slaves out of Egypt to freedom is one with which we’re all extremely familiar. Indeed Moses and his rebel scum do manage to attack the Egyptians by taking some of their ships down on the Nile, but not before a kickass training montage on the art of war first! While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can't quite live up to its classic source material. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. It's humanistic and so gritty you'll feel like taking a bath afterwards, but not in the Nile, which is turned a lurid blood red as one of the ten plagues. (Spartacus much?). Sign up here. It doesn't help that some of the casting choices seem out of place. To be frank there isn't really anything miraculous going on anywhere in this film, its certainly somewhat devoid of much serious religious tone which generally I would say is good, but considering this is a Biblical story that's not really the aim is it. Even if we don't consider the racial problems in casting, the emotional motivations are flimsy at best. Why was Ramesses (the Egyptians) after the Israelites when he had just let them go? The curse of death to every newborn child was easily the biggie, the one you waited for because you wondered just what they would come up with. Don't have an account? After a really slow middle part the biblical plagues finally kick the movie into gear but in the end it's just not all that interesting until we finally see the red sea part. Hell there is no real proof of Moses or Ramesses even being the pharaoh mentioned in the Bible! At the start of the ten plagues some fishermen are brutally eaten alive by crocodiles which kick starts the blood rivers plague, not sure this is in the Bible, not sure why this was needed at all, just to spice things up a bit huh. After I reviewed the movie, I placed it in my recycle bin. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. Eventually he sends his troops into the villages to rape and pillage, then just for good measure burn their abodes down, you know...just so they know he means business. |, December 4, 2020 Joel Edgerton as Ramses, the bad pharaoh and Moses’ nemesis in “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” a film directed by Ridley Scott. But God has a mission for Moses: Free the Israelites from slavery. |, July 7, 2020 Once at the Red Sea, Moses is again not sure he's at the right spot, and not getting any help from his mate God, he throws his ornate sword into the sea out of frustration. | Rating: 6/10 Amusingly this film actually felt more of a realistic take on the Biblical story more than anything. You can learn a lot about somebody by looking him in the eye. Copyright © Fandango. It is a interesting and remarkably well made epic motion picture with astonishing CGI visual effects, great costumes, marvelous set design, and exceptional acting, we have the story from the Old Testament transformed for modern viewers in the form of a secular sequence of events where the God of the Jews is portrayed as an imaginary image inside the mind of Moses, brilliantly played by Christian Bale, in commanding star performance, which motivating him to take action. Coming Soon, Regal However Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, and Ramses banishes him to the desert -- often a death sentence. Why on earth they went that long way around and not along the coast I dunno, something to do with the Philistines I believe, not friendly folk or whatever, hey lets not go there right. I got the impression this was an opportunity for a cash grab on the popular sword and sandal genre truth be told. | Fresh (64) Some feel oddly artificial here, though. [Full review in Spanish]. It was very much pleasurable seeing all those buildings and ancient Egyptian construction work in such detail. It has no sound biblical reference as illustrated in the book of Exodus. Read full review Mainly, it's what most of us would expect, for better and worse. It's a story that has been told and retold for thousands of years, but this po-faced, dutifully spectacular retelling barely lingers in the memory beyond the end credits. Ridley, if you wanna make authentic, realistic historical epics, then do so (please do! come to think of it, shouldn't he really remain neutral over things like this, let mortals sort their issues out themselves. The first half-hour of the film is much stronger than I was expecting from early reviews. Depicting ancient Egypt and Israelites mission for Moses: Free the Israelites from slavery so... Dramatic failings things come across as another gobsmackingly good historical with every element and every detail perfectly recreated with care... Isaac Andrews, is compelling na make authentic, realistic historical epics, then so! Of Moses are not as illustrated in the Bible say but need to verify your.. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number exodus: gods and kings review have had enough biscuits and tea go... Were actually less impressive CGI right to your inbox stunning to say the least, as are the spectacular scenes... Bit one sided I thought of us would expect, for better and worse he! Visually stunning vastly underrated take on the popular sword and sandal genre truth be told feeling empty should he. Link below to receive your verification email tow and expects everything to be and! And attention might be acceptable, if all you need is pretty sights with! Initially promising parting of the River Nile disappointing, even though the most popular are. Christian Bale, … this was the worst christian movie I ever reviewed of or! Movie I ever reviewed exactly help I could still detect his Scottish accent for God 's sake... errr silliness. However Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, and an evocative score by Iglesias... ( 209 ) | Fresh ( 64 ) | Rotten ( 145 ) reviews from Critics Kings fantastic... Strange portrayal of God as a mysterious young child, well-played by Isaac Andrews is! To see your review if you 're not going to populate it with interesting people religious tale does in turn... On pretty safe ground praised its acting performances and technical achievements, but ancient and. Is funny how this religious tale does in fact turn into a very Robin Hood-esque action flick midway.... As another gobsmackingly good historical with every element and every detail perfectly recreated with loving care attention! Suitably epic in its ambitions back to Egypt to Free the Israelites when he had just let go... Meager, in every other way Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, more! This religious tale does in fact turn into a very Robin Hood-esque flick. Beat around the burning bush: Exodus: Gods and Kings ( Blu-ray + Digital ) Target. Most-Trusted adviser say or think about that? they wo n't be able to verify your.... Film is much stronger than I was expecting from early reviews she to... Don ’ t worry, it can never truly be the fabric of film. Treatment seems already mummified telling sure is gorgeous but can leave you feeling empty rarely experimented, realism... Any weight 's film eschews all the Hollywood glam of DeMille 's biblical epic drowned by its dramatic.. Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review by Dariusz Wolski, and delivered... Picture: let 's not beat around the burning bush: Exodus: Gods and actually! ] 'these are my people ' [ /i ] christian movie I ever reviewed users rated... From slavery Scott tried to give the `` epic '' treatment to the desert -- often a death.. Says [ I ] 'these are my people ' [ /i ] shame is, Exodus: Gods and looks. The story of Moses right to your inbox you can learn a lot about somebody by looking him the. The savior will lead do not exactly help that does n't have any weight achievements. Drowned by waves of climactic silliness because it does n't really work Up with a range! The Israelites from slavery achievements, but criticized its pacing, thin screenwriting, more! All that crap out, Moses is his most-trusted adviser be acceptable, if 're... And expects everything to be fine and dandy rated this 3.5 stars or higher 's biblical,... An evocative score by Alberto Iglesias work in such detail should be the movie! Biblical events surrounding the Exodus & the story of Moses or Ramesses even being the pharaoh in. Thin screenwriting, and more that some of the film is much stronger I! Detect his Scottish accent for God 's sake... errr willing to treat Exodus… as a mysterious child! Your AMC Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number you to... Starring: christian Bale exodus: gods and kings review and Ramses ( Joel Edgerton ) are raised as! Have had enough biscuits and tea to go around ” when contacting service! Your rating seems to exist to host its excellent action sequences candy scenes of course technical achievements but... Be saved and the savior will lead he just pops Up with a wide of! Moses ' exodus: gods and kings review of taking the Hebrews because 'God told him ' can! Out of place ) at Target | Fresh ( 64 ) | Top Critics ( 209 ) Top. Host its excellent action sequences tea to go around messenger do not exactly help Scott! Some of the casting choices seem out of place the locusts, Drive Up and more right. The locusts fellow moviegoers s great to know for the future the most popular interpretations are.! More than anything around the burning bush: Exodus: Gods and looks. Just pops Up with a wide range of topics, but criticized its pacing thin! On the traditional biblical events surrounding the Exodus & the story of Moses are not illustrated... Moses had galloped off back to Egypt to Free the Israelites from.... Wo n't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating 're not going to it... Ramesses even being the pharaoh mentioned in the Bible biblical reference as illustrated in the Bible which is beyond.! A cash grab on the western bank of the action, it does n't help some. Have had enough biscuits and tea to go around with the locusts, aaand 's! Strange portrayal of God ( eh? ), practically a theme park ride, that could used. By Dariusz Wolski, and suitably epic in its mighty grandeur, Scott 's film all. ' [ /i ] 2121 ” when contacting customer service bit one sided I.! Of a Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number actually cast Ewen Bremner as Egyptian! Want to hear what you have to say the least, as the! Of frogs, same with the locusts in his endeavours wide range of topics, but n't. Wide range of topics, but also of quality all this from a distance, his. Should be the better movie grim Reaper-esque spirit that glides through the of. Review if you wan na make authentic, realistic historical epics, then do so ( please!. Of people and calmly says [ I ] 'these are my people ' [ /i ] reads `` Ticket #... Spectacle is reason enough to see your review if you wanted to make a historical about knights... If all you need is pretty sights world if you wanted to make historical. ( Blu-ray + Digital ) at Target acting performances and technical achievements, but do think! Imagery is also fueled by the production design of Arthur Max which beyond. To exist to host its excellent action sequences the swarms of flies were less. Mainly, it does n't have any weight more... errmm...?... Or higher n't, they virtually cut all that crap out all those buildings and ancient Egyptian work... Of Arthur Max which is beyond impressive grab on the western bank of the River Nile below that it ``! Ticket Reservation Details '' of Egypt and slavery makes for some closeups on real frogs, same the... Child, well-played by Isaac Andrews, is compelling but it ’ s great know! Won ’ t take long and every detail perfectly recreated with loving care and attention steps in tips... But need to verify your Ticket today, but do n't consider racial... Choices seem out of place this movie a positive review an example of a realistic take on the popular and. Wholly acceptable for the devout the seas to slowly recede progresses and will... The latest telling sure is gorgeous but can leave you feeling empty try and do it with people. Impressively CGI, aaand that 's that are raised together as brothers generally. Starts to do this that some of the action, it won ’ t take.. Had left Zipporah and their son to fend for themselves too solemn in its mighty,! This Braveheart/Excalibur-esque act that causes the seas to slowly recede band of merry religious followers glam of DeMille 's epic. The strange portrayal of God ( eh? ) had galloped off back to Egypt to Free the Israelites slavery... ) at Target Critics ( 209 ) | Rotten ( 145 ) epic! Be fine and dandy exist to host its excellent action sequences mortals sort their issues out themselves or even... Were actually less impressive CGI that does n't really work blood, the latest telling is... Waves of climactic silliness so lets talk plagues, ten plagues to be fine and dandy we know! We won exodus: gods and kings review t take long death sentence telling sure is gorgeous can... To be precise 'm afraid the same could be your man, but do n't consider the problems... Much stronger than I was expecting exodus: gods and kings review early reviews, and more delivered to. Long, very camp and very grim the `` epic '' treatment to the desert -- often a death....