Read Positive User Reviews for Ben-Hur (2016)

8

Joker777Aug 25, 2016

First thing first, need to get a couple things out of the way. Two groups of people giving this movie unjust hate. 1: people that went into this movie expecting the old movie. 2: People that are offended by Jesus/God. As a movie this one isFirst thing first, need to get a couple things out of the way. Two groups of people giving this movie unjust hate. 1: people that went into this movie expecting the old movie. 2: People that are offended by Jesus/God. As a movie this one is pretty good; diffidently recommend it. I knocked two points off- one for the script (the depth could of been better) and one for all that they cut out (which is understandable seeing how this shaves a couple hours off the original). Not much else to say without spoiling. Just keep in mind people, in a world were it's accepted and even encouraged to kill kids (abortion), of course anything having to do with Jesus/God is going to get hated on. Don't take mine or any other person's word for it though, don't let the crowd dictate your views. Go see it for yourself and make your own judgement. It's on average only eight or so dollars to see a movie so go for it.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

FBurcawAug 19, 2016

I really don't understand the preponderance of such negative reviews. I am old enough to remember the 1959 Ben Hur and saw it in the theater when it first came out. Although I agree it was a fabulous movie, I wonder what it would look likeI really don't understand the preponderance of such negative reviews. I am old enough to remember the 1959 Ben Hur and saw it in the theater when it first came out. Although I agree it was a fabulous movie, I wonder what it would look like today if seen in the theater. I am sure it would be great and probably better then this version despite being filmed under ancient photography conditions. However, be that as it may, I enjoyed this movie very much. Although nobody will probably ever out act Charlton Heston as Judah Ben Hur, I thought the acting was more than acceptable. Of course, I don't think there is anybody who can surpass the acting of Morgan Freeman either. I just love to see any movie he is in and they are all usually fairly good. Although the story is certainly not plausible at all, neither were the other movies based on the book. The book is a work of fiction after all. If you never saw the 1959 movie with Heston as Judah Ben Hur, you have nothing to compare this one to, so just sit back and enjoy the movie.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

BigTuna1952Aug 19, 2016

This movie was well done, beautifully shot, and moving. The computer graphic scenes are awesome. I saw the original movie and I must say the chariot race in this movie is just as spectacular. Also the scenes of the ships battling it out onThis movie was well done, beautifully shot, and moving. The computer graphic scenes are awesome. I saw the original movie and I must say the chariot race in this movie is just as spectacular. Also the scenes of the ships battling it out on the seas were riveting. The actors did a great job and I found the story well written. This is not a one dimensional religious message movie, but a moving and inspirational epic. If you miss this, you will miss one of the year's great films.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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9

Abhijeet_GSAug 21, 2016

This movie is just amazing. I didn't watch the original one but i'm glad i watched this one. Like always just ignore the critics, go watch the movie, u won't regret it.

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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10

notjustnebAug 24, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved it! And I really had no plans to see it because I have a very low opinion of Hollywood versions of Bible stories, and I don't love Roma Downey's interpretations of the Bible....but, I went anyway, mainly because it isn't a story "from the Bible" that has been twisted by man's interpretation ... it is just a story. I saw the original years ago and loved it then, but I think I like this version better because of a Zealot causing the whole conflict between brothers and not the sister knocking a loose roof tile accidentally made so much more sense!

I also thought the scenery and set designs were amazing. The chariot arena was beautiful! You don't usually see that kind of beauty and money in "a Christian movie".

And too, I have to say that I really appreciate that it wasn't 3 hours and 42 minutes like the Charlton Heston version! I don't have that kind of patience anymore! So for folks comparing the two movies you need to keep that in mind. Sure, things will be lost but ...

I will definitely go see it again and buy it when it comes out for purchase.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

CaliforniaFrankAug 23, 2016

From my Liberal Gay catholic point of view: A horribly miscast, No, Beautifully cast with stunning point-on acting talents!... poorly executed,No, beautifully executed,... thinly written remake,...No, powerfully and excitingly re-writeFrom my Liberal Gay catholic point of view: A horribly miscast, No, Beautifully cast with stunning point-on acting talents!... poorly executed,No, beautifully executed,... thinly written remake,...No, powerfully and excitingly re-write .....Ben Hur is a complete mess, No,... roller coaster of a re-invented movie experience to behold... and slobbers over its potential greatness with choppy action, False! Breathtaking in it's wild, digitally enhanced breath-taking action scenes,... cliched dialogue, No, Spot-on dialogue fits beautifully into the perfectly believable ancient settings.... and terrible special effects..No.... special effects plows right into your lap as it did while I watched it Monday in giant screen XD3D. Saw the 1959 5 times, 2010 TV release once and loved both. The 2016 short but explicit Jesus scenes were wonderful to witness and probably embarrassing for the non-Christian to have to squirm through ...for me: well worth the pricey reserved seating!

Like always just ignore the critics, go watch the movie, u won't regret it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

TheAsianCriticAug 20, 2016

I never saw the original. I thought this movie was amazing. I thought the brutality of it was awesome and the naval battle scene alone was worth the ticket price.

6 of 19 users found this helpful613

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7

HMF_47Aug 25, 2016

Ben-Hur is entertaining enough to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. There are some pretty cool action beats and visuals, and the acting is solid. Jack Huston and Toby Kebbel play each other well, and add depth to characters that can easilyBen-Hur is entertaining enough to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. There are some pretty cool action beats and visuals, and the acting is solid. Jack Huston and Toby Kebbel play each other well, and add depth to characters that can easily become stereotypes.

However, it suffers from a pacing that barely lets the story breathe, unearned cathartic moments (Jesus could be removed and it wouldn't make much of a difference), and a schizophrenic tone in the last 20 minutes or so (the character change there gives the "Martha" scene in Batman v Superman a run for its money).

It's not a great movie, but it's not the train wreck critics are making it out to be.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

ThecriticGoDSep 2, 2016

Probably the best film ever made. I can't express how bad the original one was but this remake is a masterpiece, takes all the bad things that characterized the original movie and completely reworks it making it feel fresh, dated andProbably the best film ever made. I can't express how bad the original one was but this remake is a masterpiece, takes all the bad things that characterized the original movie and completely reworks it making it feel fresh, dated and beautiful at the same time, and the things that were good are brought to new horizons, the actors are definetely very well chosen. This film is the definition of perfection.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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7

TheQuietGamerDec 13, 2016

Part faith-based film and part swords-and-sandals epic, Ben-Hur succeeds better than the average Christian flick, a genre that has recently seen a resurgence of sorts in modern cinema. That's because it focuses on it's story first, andPart faith-based film and part swords-and-sandals epic, Ben-Hur succeeds better than the average Christian flick, a genre that has recently seen a resurgence of sorts in modern cinema. That's because it focuses on it's story first, and preaching second.

Now one thing I can't do in this review is compare this remake to the original as I have not seen it. I can say though that it should be fairly obvious this movie isn't going to have the same impact as the original. At the very least though, it is entertaining.

Spread across the tale of Ben-Hur's quest for vengeance are Christian themes and messages. You'll see Jesus and hear characters talk about how one should forgive their enemies instead of seeking revenge. These elements are thankfully not very heavy handed in their delivery, making them more bearable for non-believers. They do feel oddly included though. Like unnatural additions to the main plot that could have already been a story of forgiveness all on it's own.

The main plot in the movie pretty solid and backed by equally solid performances. Just like the faith-based elements, it can feel uneven in execution. It does have the tendency to meander a bit from time to time, and when it finally does get to the fateful chariot race it's full-throttle all the way to the conclusion. Speaking of that chariot race, it's quite thrilling to watch. There's one other moment of big-spectacle excitement to be found. The rest of the emphasis is on the story and characters, some of which go underdeveloped and just feel like bland faces meant to push the story forward.

While lacking in truly epic moments, the ones it does have are still exciting to watch. Brought to life by solid special effects and a director who apparently knows how to put on some solid fireworks.

While perhaps uneven in it's execution, Ben-Hur is a faith-based film that has the potential to entertain more than just hardcore believers. That's because it's part big action, special effects driven blockbuster with a strong emphasis on character drama. The themes of forgiveness are appreciated and it's a very relatable story in a sense in that appeals to emotions we've all felt. So it's definitely brought to life in all of the best ways, but at least it still manages to be fun.

7.4/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

jluaSep 8, 2016

A good story is the best basis for a good movie. It is the skeleton over which the script is laid out. This film has an excellent epic story and a good script. Add to that a good casting, excellent production values, and a good direction,A good story is the best basis for a good movie. It is the skeleton over which the script is laid out. This film has an excellent epic story and a good script. Add to that a good casting, excellent production values, and a good direction, and the result is an excellent film. All-in-all a very well told epic story. A style of movie that nowadays we miss from the big super-productions of times past. Very recommended. My only minimal criticism is the choice of music for the end of the film. It wouldn´t have been my choice of music style..… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

druout1944Sep 9, 2016

Excellent movie and overall my favorite of 2016 so far. The cast gives a superb performance that really conveys the story in an an impactful, emotional way. The depiction of galley slave life on its own as well as the chariot races, stand outExcellent movie and overall my favorite of 2016 so far. The cast gives a superb performance that really conveys the story in an an impactful, emotional way. The depiction of galley slave life on its own as well as the chariot races, stand out as amazingly powerful conveyances of little shown aspects of the Roman Empire. Obviously the Christian message will make those bothered by their convicted conscience give low scores as a result, but this movie is amazing and a worthy successor to the original.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

HealingToolbox1Dec 18, 2016

Terrific end chariot race probably could not be better. The galley slave rowing sequence probably could not be better. Funny post-show credit animations are a hoot.

My main comment is this may be another textbook example of a script withTerrific end chariot race probably could not be better. The galley slave rowing sequence probably could not be better. Funny post-show credit animations are a hoot.

My main comment is this may be another textbook example of a script with too many hands in in and too many agendas, leading to mediocrity. Not the director but the script seems to be teh villain of this piece. The dialogue while occasionally good, even effective especially seems off the mark. It so clearly lacks a singular vision of characters, what they are learning, or any singular vision of the plot. I found the Christ story, tacked on s it is, still affecting. As other reviewers have asked, "Tell me again, WHY was this re-make necessary?"… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

Kalele005Dec 14, 2016

really good movie with some weak moment, with beautiful words of counciousness, i did feel some emotions in the movie,for a christian film it was pretty brutal with beautiful special effect, really theses days critic are really too rough,ifreally good movie with some weak moment, with beautiful words of counciousness, i did feel some emotions in the movie,for a christian film it was pretty brutal with beautiful special effect, really theses days critic are really too rough,if one of the actor or creator of this movie reading my review just let you know than you're movie is really great you can be proud of it. thank you… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

brechstangeSep 6, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very exciting and entertaining. The movie has drive and the Christian story is well told. You also can feel the character of human in a period of dictatorship, conquest and occupying.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

Ivere1973Oct 14, 2016

In each past adjustment of General Lew Wallace's fiercely fruitful 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, the actuating occasion comes from Judah Ben-Hur, the Jewish aristocrat, incidentally thumping some stray tiles on to the heads ofIn each past adjustment of General Lew Wallace's fiercely fruitful 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, the actuating occasion comes from Judah Ben-Hur, the Jewish aristocrat, incidentally thumping some stray tiles on to the heads of Roman bigshots as they enter Jerusalem. Watch and download this movie here watch this movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

kiwijinxterApr 28, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ah, the snobbish professional critics know nothing. I ignore them, like I do most of the time. Otherwise I'd miss many of the best movies I've seen.

To be honest, after the crappy disasters of supposedly Christian movies meant to be directly based on the Bible that's Russell Crowe's weird "Noah" and Christian Bale's pathetic "Exodus: Gods and Kings", I almost gave up all hope of these un-Christian movies in Christian movie clothing, full of unashamed inauthenticity. So I decided to watch a movie that is NOT directly based on the Bible, Jack Huston's "Ben Hur", and it turned out to be more Christian than Noah or Exodus combined - all in a pretty epic movie!

Given this is based on the book and being the 2nd movie made with the same name, the plot is no surprise. At high level, it's a story of 2 brothers who went their separate ways due to a misunderstanding and betrayal, where hate drove them closer and closer to killing each other, but in the end found that forgiveness was more powerful than vengeance. Now that would make a boring story if it wasn't for strong acting and scripting, and of course, the epic action scenes (the ship / galley and horse racing scenes in particular) which were done with absolute purpose, woven into the very story itself. Where's the Christian part of it? Well, Ben-Hur lives in the same period as Jesus Christ and so we find Ben-Hur and his family occasionally experiencing Jesus' wisdom and love. Of course, Jesus' narrative is only the backdrop and he only makes a couple of appearances. (this is not a Jesus film - for that, try Passion of the Christ!). Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell held strong chemistry as brothers in the movie - going from close brotherhood to distant enemies and reconciled as brothers again. Jack Huston proves to be a versatile actor, exuding joviality, confidence, hatred, joy, tenderness - expressing the right emotions at the right times. Morgan Freeman plays Ilderim, a good supporting role in helping Ben-Hur face his brother in the final showdown.

This is one movie I would happily watch with the family. The values are wholesome, the action is epic, the movie is simply beautiful. Well worth the watch. One of the best movies I watched so far. And yes, of course it's better than the original - this is made in 2016 with better technology supporting the actors!… Expand