'The Young Messiah' Movie News: Movie Succeeds in Fueling Faith, Fails in Entertainment Value
Several movies that aim at strengthening or reviving one's faith are showing just in time for Easter, which will be celebrated on the 27th of this month. Among these films that have this intent is "The Young Messiah," which depicts the life of Jesus when he was only seven years old. However, despite the movie's desire to leave a spiritual impact on the moviegoers, many of those who have seen it claim that it failed in terms of entertainment value.
Entertainment Weekly opines that "The Young Messiah" almost gets rid of narrative tension, adding that the movie is a far cry from the previous movie adaptations of the life of Jesus as an adult. Some moviegoers can't help but draw a comparison between "The Young Messiah" and other Marvel stories in terms of treatment, thanks to its unconventional way of depicting the young life of the seven-year old Jesus who doesn't have a full understanding of his messianic gifts yet.
While it is true that the movie has successfully pushed its viewers in to some moments of critical thinking about the life of Christ and pointing them back to the Bible for answers, it did not sit well with the taste of some movie critics. Many have claimed that it is dragging, and one would be lucky to keep himself awake within the first hour of the movie.
On the other hand, Paso Robles Daily News opines that the film honors Jesus Christ as Lord, and is likely to appeal to Christians. While the intention is to revive and strengthen the faith of the moviegoers is there, the movie fails in terms of arousing emotions.
Meanwhile, as of March 20, Box Office Mojo reports that the movie being currently shown in select U.S. theaters has raked in $5,360,355 in rough estimate. With this good showing at the U.S. box office, "The Young Messiah" director Cyrus Nowrasteh can't help but feel thrilled, much more that the movie got an "A" rating.
"You hope someone's faith will be enhanced, if you're not a person of faith and you are not affiliated with any church group you can go see this movie with your friends, with your family and be moved by it," said Chris Columbus, producer of "The Young Messiah" producer.
"The Young Messiah" is based on Ann Rice's novel, "Christ the Lord" and is top-billed by Adam Greaves-Neal.