"They Finally Got it Right!": Christian Review of "Ben Hur" Movie 2016

Leah Marieann Klett : Aug 22, 2016
Gospel Herald

"I would encourage people—anytime Hollywood makes an effort and they're sincere, we should support that, because how else are we going to get what we need if we don't give a reward when somebody delivers? Faith driven consumers need to make an effort to say, 'Hey, this is what I want.' they need to advocate for themselves and join with us in advocating for the faith-based community." -Chris Stone

(Hollywood, CA)—[Gospel Herald] Faith Driven Consumer, an organization connecting Christian consumers with faith-compatible companies, opportunities, and entertainment, has given the 2016 epic film "Ben-Hur" its first ever favorable review for a tent pole Hollywood film with an impressive 4 stars, meaning it will likely resonate with Christian viewers. (Photo: Ben Hur movie/via Gospel Herald)

"'Ben-Hur' is an example of Hollywood getting it right," FDC founder Chris Stone told the Gospel Herald of the Paramount film, which hit theaters Friday. "Faith driven consumers can watch this movie and enjoy it from a spiritual perspective—it has meaning. It will also resonate with those who have no faith interest, and they're just looking for history and action—it has that as well."

Faith Driven Consumer's Faith-Friendly Film Reviews are based on five core criteria: Overall Faith and/or Biblical Relevance; Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships; Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations, Family Viewing Suitability; and Entertainment Value. 

Written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley and produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, the film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a Jewish prince in Roman-occupied Jerusalem, who is betrayed by his childhood friend and adoptive brother Messala (Toby Kebbell). After years of suffering as a slave, Judah is eventually rescued by a wealthy Sheik Illderim (Morgan Freeman), who trains him to be a charioteer to get revenge on his brother. Together, they plot to defeat the Romans in a game of chariot racing.

Click here to continue reading.