Ben-Hur (2016)

I am a huge fan of the original Ben-Hur movie but did think it was a bit outdated. When I heard a new version was being made I was waiting in anticipation. And I'm not one of those people that thinks the original version was the best and difficult to surpass. But this movie is so bad in terms of casting, script, storyline and cinematography, I need to warn any potential viewers to stay away. I tried to watch this on the plane, TV and gave it one last chance on my business travel in my hotel room. I was that desperate to like this movie. But I could not stand watching this for more than 5 minutes at a time. I rarely ever say this but this is one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

(Flash Review)Rather than dive into the lengthy story of this latest Ben-Hur, I'll say at a high level it is about love, friendship, honor and determination during the period when Jesus walked the Earth. Many say there was no need to recreate the massive 3.5hr famous epic 1959 version with Heston. Hollywood felt otherwise and peppered this movie with money and marketing resources yet didn't focus enough on a crisp story. I don't recall much from the 1959 version but this felt too glossy and the historical chariot race was modernly jarring and frantic; mildly entertaining while lacking character. I'm not sure if the scenes with Jesus were better worked into the 1959 story to highlight his importance but here he was sporadically mentioned and then they bolted on his respectfully produced and told crucifixion scene. The inclusion, flow and pacing of that final scene was unexpected. One darkly amusing part was with a loyal battleship drummer who was determined to keep the beat for the rowers despite being set on fire by a flame arrow.

Take William Wyler, Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Sam Jaffe and the stunt director Yakima Canutt. The result? A film that should NEVER be remade, and this effort absolutely pales in comparison. There is no depth to the characterizations, and major events are simply pedestrian. For example, this film takes half an hour to introduce you to the relationship between Judah and Messala, something William Wyler accomplished beautifully in just one scene. The 1959 Heston film was a powerhouse of emotion, while this tepid film barely scratches the edges of relationships, leaving out many of the key elements and characters of the book, by General Lew Wallace, and the film version that won 11 Academy Awards. Pass this stinker up.

As I watch the movie, I cannot detach myself from the 11 Oscars classic unfortunately. Yet I also am able to watch individually and what I can say is that this movie, for any movie lover will feel empty, vague, rushed... I still remember the 1959 version required at least 3 VHS tapes... 3 hour hours of film, worthwhile. This one cuts an hour, changes crucial points and makes no justice to the "original"...Again even alone this movie seems really rushed. Lacks emotion and dept. Jack Huston does a good job playing Ben-Hur though, but doesn't come close to Mr. Heston. Anyway just really one unnecessary remake.