Review of Ben-Hur (2016) by Frances H — 23 Aug 2016

EN-HUR (2016) *** Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zurer, Pilou Asbaek, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Morgan Freeman. Bold remake of the classic tale of Jewish prince turned slave bent on revenge Judah Ben-Hur (Huston, grandson of John and nephew of Anjelica, acquitting himself nicely here) facing his adopted brother Messala Severus (Kebbell in full douchebag mode) who for unforeseen reasons has taken ranks in the Roman army and created a living hell for Ben-Hur involving the fate of his family and his future.

While of course it nowhere near the epic Chartlon Heston blockbuster the film holds its own in grand production design and skillful direction by Timu Bekmambetov and an able script by Keith R. Clarke and John Ridley based on Lew Wallace's novel, blending well-wrought CGI and set pieces including the infamous chariot race/grudge match with just enough violence and steadfast resolve.

Freeman continues to bring the gravitas as the anti-hero's mentor and enabler as well as occasional narrator and Santoro makes for a dreamy and soulful Jesus Christ.