40 Nights

I am, admittedly, only a little over halfway into this (although it feels like I've been watching for hours), but am doubtful that I will finish it (and that's saying something, since, as a peplum fan, I'm an extremely tolerant viewer), so here is my assessment thus far: Ron Swanson as definitely well over 30 (or 40, for that matter) hippy, new age Jesus, and the villain from an old made-for-TV children's movie as Satan (we used to achieve the same "scary voice" effect playing with a tape recorder as kids in the 80's), in an apparently no-budget "Bible movie" that's really a western, with painfully modern, American non-actors, reciting dialogue that can't decide what century it's being spoken in, and seems to have been written by Tommy Wiseau.

There are several things I enjoy about this original Biblical drama movie. One is that no one has ever focused before on imagining the true test Jesus was put to in the desert for 40 days and nights tempted by Satan. An account of the search for the faith and strength that lies within him. In this movie, we see the human side of Christ and flashbacks of his past as he sets off on his journey of fasting to prepare his soul for sacrifice. I like that the movie's style of dialogue and visual style are consistent with each other. Biblical dramas in the 50s and 60s had more of the "European painting" and theatrical look to them, and dialogue that was theatrically stilted, because they were more like large-scale pageants. In this movie, the dialogue is not poetic or theatrical at all, but more realistic, in keeping with the gritty visual look. It was filmed in Yuma AZ desert and though it was impossible to show the largeness of Jerusalem, I didn't feel cheated out of anything worthwhile. The scenery and panoramic shots took my breath away. There also were many special affects that enhanced the realism and powers of Satan and the Angels. I like that the movie doesn't show anything except what Jesus Christ experiences. His interactions, memories and personal internal battles. Some people might call it a suspenseful mystery, but it seemed more to me like a character-focused drama where Jesus must make choices based on the knowledge given to him. A film that will inspire, whether a believer or not. It is thought provoking and challenging. DJ Perry is superb as Jesus. Perfect Lenten material as one reflects upon his or her relationship with Jesus. It's a pretty interesting movie. I loved it.

There are at least 6 or 7 sermons I could write off of this movie alone. First, the cinematography was beautiful. Wow. The actor who portrays the devil, made me mad and that could only mean he performed this role very well. The portrayal of Jesus Christ is effortlessly genuine and comforting to both watch and hear. The lamb was adorable. So representative of how we stray away so easily. It's something how most want to only portray the crucifixion, when very little emphasis is put on all the moments before. I plan to watch this again. But, after just one time watching it my spirit is left in gratitude and awe of my Lord and Saviors sacrifice on my behalf. It's a showing of how capable our spirit really is over our flesh, if we are willing. This film is anointed from start to finish. That means it's favored to win souls. I thought the portrayal of decreasing in strength, an actors ability to play hunger and the extreme effects there off was quite accurate. The way the enemy comes at us in our weaknesses in times of weaknesses. For example, the scene involving the lust and the woman who wasn't a woman at first. Clever. The different voices were chilling and scary and just what I would've imagined. Wow. I can't say enough good things. I ask that you please continue to write and produce stories rarely touched, out of the bible. Since, you do them so well. I plan to order to add to my collection! Good work.

A good idea represents the root of this film - to explore the temptations of devil against the Lord in Carantania dessert. And , not ignoring the few serious reserves about cast , dialogues and technical solutions, it is just a decent work. Because, in essence, it is an interogation to viewer. Sure, some parts are not the most inspired and the dialogue with the Archangel or with little shepard are too, too much , but it is a Christian film and its purpose is, not doubts, more than clear. Sure, not the expected Jesus, not the familiar form of temptation, but the voice of Dan Haggerty helps a lot the film.

We host a monthly Christian movie night at a local theatre in Navasota, TX. Miller's Theatre donates its space for our movie showings and we are able to show our films without admission charge.

Yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, we shared 40 Nights, by DJ Perry. Which is the first film of a trilogy, 40 Nights, Chasing the Star and the soon to be released, Christ Slayer. DJ was generous enough to license our showings and to provide background material for our showing.

We had about 40 people in attendance for our showing and we were very pleased with the audience reaction which ended in applause at the close of the film.

40 Nights a is well done telling of Christ's 40 days in the wilderness from an intimate perspective of Christ's experience in building His strength for the coming trials of his ministry and its conclusion in the crucifixion.

We recommend this film to viewers who seek a deeper perspective on Christ's experience at the beginning of His ministry and the challenges met in the wilderness.