By Bernie ‘The Movie Guy’ Ment
Contributing Writer
Ben Hur
I generally dislike remakes of classic movies strictly on the principal that Hollywood rarely does anything original these days anyway. But here, I have to say, I am rethinking my opinion. “Ben Hur” is a finely crafted retelling of this classic tale that originally starred Charlton Heston in the iconic role of this biblical hero.
Now let me be clear, here. Jack Huston is no Charlton Heston, but he does bring his own personal qualities to the role that make him enjoyable to watch. Likewise, too, Toby Kebbell brings a sinister undertone to Roman General Messala making the character equally and eminently watchable.
Set in the shadow of the upcoming crucifixion of Christ, “Ben Hur” tells the story of a Jewish noble arrested by his half brother and exiled to slavery before returning to Rome for an epic chariot race that becomes a chance for vindication in the lives of both men.
Although it is eminently evident that the effects have been updated with CGI and even the backgrounds and settings have been digitally enhanced, it in no way detracts from the strength of the underlying story.
This update is designed for moviegoers of this day and age, and moviegoers of all ages will benefit from seeing this wonderful story about morality in a world where leaders are becoming more and more unethical. Thankfully, too, the length of the movie has been cut nearly in half from the classic 1950s epic.
And the appearance of venerable character actor Morgan Freeman adds a fine layer of gravitas to ground the picture for all audiences. His gravelly voice makes for fine narration for the events that occur during the iconic chariot race.
It’s not a perfect remake, but it makes for a great diversion on a fall afternoon at the movie theater.
I give “Ben Hur” four out of five stars.
Mechanic: Resurrection
It’s been five years since we’ve seen this Jason Statham character, and it wouldn’t have been entirely unwelcome not to see his return; but here he is in all his glory, still killing people of questionable character on behalf of people with questionable character.
Yes, the Mechanic is a hitman, much like a number of other Statham filmography roles where he tends to lend himself to playing people of moral turpitude as he eliminates the men he’s tasked with killing.
Of course, what Statham movie would be complete without the requisite eye candy, and here that’s supplied by none other than Jessica Alba who seems to be turning into a B-movie queen of late. She still has all the sex appeal, though, that any action adventure movie lover would crave.
The lead baddie this time is played by Sam Hazeldine, a man so corrupt he kidnaps Alba to force Statham to do his bidding. Probably not the best move to perpetuate character longevity, but it does manage to get the job done.
Tommy Lee Jones is in full on cartoon baddie mode complete with soul patch and rose colored glasses that you just know would hide bloodshot eyes in a real-life arms dealer. But at the end of the day, Jones’ character is almost more likeable than Statham. And that is the true charm of this movie.
This is one of those movies that you don’t have to sink a lot of brain power into to get some enjoyment out of it. It’s a mindless diversion for a fall weekend at the mall.
I give “Mechanic: Resurrection” three out of five stars.
