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Reviews
The Christ Slayer (2019)
One Man's Journey with the Risen Christ; Well Done & Recommended!
Carl Weyant aptly plays Longinus, a blind Roman soldier (kept in his position only because of an influential father) partly responsible for the execution-death of the Christ who struggles with overwhelming guilt and darkness attempting to snuff out his life. Coming to the end of his tortured self, he leaves Jerusalem, with his servant Albus (played by Josh Perry), in order to find peace in the land of his relatives. Along the way, he meets a Stranger (DJ Perry as Jesus) who begins to open his eyes and renew the man's purpose. We also catch glimpses into the spiritual realm with Gabriel (Shane Hagedorn) and the Devil (Taymour Ghazi) discussing the worth of humanity despite their flawed and contradictory natures. It's a well done film about the Christ done with a unique Biblical slant. Josh Perry's portrayal as Longinus' servant is a delight to watch and gives some laugh-out-loud moments.
This is the third film of "The Quest" Series ("40 Nights" and "Chasing the Stars" being the first films) put out by a studio that's punching above its weight by creating thoughtful, unique content.
I recommend The Christ Slayer. It's both interesting and well done! Perhaps it will also draw out discussions and reflections on our own life journeys.
Ashes of Eden (2014)
A World Where Christ Seem Least Likely to Break Into is ASHES OF EDEN; but There are Glimmers of Hope
The ASHES OF EDEN film is a gritty, streetwise film that may be a challenge for Christ-followers to watch and, alternatively, may be hard for those who are not Christ-followers (because of the Message in the mess).
However, there is redemption in the story--and there are glimmers of hope despite every effort to snuff out that hope. Be forewarned: there are instances of drug use, a violent murder, fighting, some bed scenes (that remain PG level)--but these are all present to show a real world where Christ seems the furthest and least likely to break in, and to show genuine threat to the main character.
The acting is good, and the story entertaining to watch--though, as I said above, it may be difficult for some viewers. Considering what is out there that's supposed to "entertain," ASHES OF EDEN entertains but also gives a glimpse of emptiness without Christ versus the fullness that exists in Christ. Recommended.
40 Nights (2016)
A Film That Tells a Story Not Told Before on the Big Screen! An insightful & quality film!
FORTY NIGHTS, starring DJ Perry as Jesus, directed by Jesse Low, is the first part of the Quest Trilogy of films--the next films being CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST-SLAYER.
In this film, we see a side to Jesus of Nazareth that perhaps we've not quite seen before on the Big Screen as He faces the wilderness alone against the Tempter. Within that interaction comes many questions and considerations about the nature of mankind, the frailty, the evil, the good--as well as the Goodness of the Lord.
The film, though on a low budget, punches above its weight telling the story in a unique, thoughtful, quality way.
I really enjoyed the film and reflected on it long after watching it.
The acting in this film is good and notable.
I highly recommend FORTY NIGHTS!
Chasing the Star (2017)
A Genuinely Well-Made, Thoughtful Film!
What a delight to see this film! Though not a big budget film, the production values punch above its weight when it comes to cinematography, story & sound, and superb acting. As I watched the film, I felt myself immersed by this ancient world, into the world of the Magi and their quest to find the new Jewish King.
The film stars notable Garry Nation as "Melchior," Randy Spence as "Balthazar," Bello Pizzimenti as "Gaspar," Taymour Ghazi as "the Devil," Yancy Butler as "Salome," and Shane Hagedorn as "Gabriel"--all very well acted and convincing.
The familiar story begins and focuses on the three Magi--the ancient priests (the Zorasters who believed in one god) from the eastern lands--what would likely be modern-day Iran or western Indian regions. Their discovery of the star begins their quest to find the Messiah--and to deal with their own inner turmoils and life-choices along the way. The film is a thinking film, and deserves much more recognition than it's received.
I highly recommend this film! It deserves to be seen as it is well done!
This is the first part of the Quest Trilogy. The other films in the series include "Forty Nights" and the forthcoming film, "The Christ-Slayer."
"Chasing the Stars" is now available to watch on Amazon Prime!
Revelation (1999)
Well-Made End Times Film with Lots of Surprises
This film is one of my favourite so-called "End Times" films. It's smart, with some really good acting, and some surprises in its storytelling.
The film centers around Special Agent Thorold Stone (Jeff Fahey) who loses his family to a mysterious worldwide event wherein people vanish. In the aftermath, the man is pushed to the brink--his life now a shell of what it once was. In his pursuit of the "Haters," a name ascribed to Christians, his journey begins to reveal things about O.N.E. (similar to the UN) that unsettle him.
It's a good story, with some really good performances from Fahey, Nick Mancuso (as the worldwide leader), Tony Nappo (as a wheelchair-bound computer hack) and Carol Alt (playing a blind woman). It is, too, quite funny in a few parts--thanks to the performance of Nappo.
The evangelical thrust in the story isn't too heavy handed. It makes sense that in the film's worldview, the Christ-follower's view is embraced, and those against faith in Christ are, subsequently, their enemies and need to be stopped.
It's a really good film. Recommended.
Considering that the film was made nearing 20 years ago, it's stood the test of time and may, actually, be more accurate to what actually happens in the future than we realize.
Six: The Mark Unleashed (2004)
Better than a Lot of the Stuff Being Put Out There by Hollywood!
Of course, I'm not surprised by the low critical ratings of this film. But considering what Hollywood is putting out there, I can tell you that this film is, for the most part, better than a lot of the stuff that's being put out.
And by the way: If you're going to downgrade a film's rating because you're obviously anti-Christian film, that's being dishonest (and a poor reviewer). Watch the film regardless of the worldview. Then give your view of how the film works and doesn't work. Very few films in the world would deserve only 1 star! And SIX: THE MARK UNLEASHED doesn't deserve that.
But from what I've seen of this film, it is a well-made film with good performances, for the most part, and with an ending that I didn't expect. Yes, it is a Christian-made film with an evangelical thrust to it--but not too heavy-handed.
What I like most about the film are the manner in which they display Christian characters as normative, and relational, with the backdrop of a supernatural God Who is moving in their midst. The film is set in the future when the timeline of human history is wrapping up.
I loved the performances of Stephen Baldwin, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and of special note, Troy Winbush as Lewis who brings a rare honesty and drama to his role as a lost man who finds Christ while in prison. His onscreen conversion is truly inspirational; it's hard not to shed a tear while watching it.
I recommend this film. It's not perfect, but it deserves to be classified as an above average film that happens to be made by Christian creators.