pleonic

As something of a Jesus movie junkie I have to say that The Gospel of John is my favorite of them all. Yes, I even like it better than The Passion. It is long, so first you have to adjust to the fact that this is meant to dramatize an entire Gospel. Once you've accepted that, the greatness of this movie dawns on you.

The production values are first rate. The sets, the clothes, the effects are accurate and extremely well done, even down to the threads in the fabrics. There are several miracles, but the one that truly stands out for me is Christ walking on water. This is far and away the best dramatization of that legendary moment, ever.

There are long discourses by Jesus, apparently because that's how St. John recalled him speaking. The director handles these marvelously well -- they are not just talking heads. The fact that they use the conversational Good News Bible for the script keeps you from being overwhelmed by waves and waves of 'bible talk.' But what really makes it work is the unbelievable acting of Henry Ian Cusick. Let me put it this way: Have you ever watched a movie about Christ and secretly wondered why anybody would have followed him, since he's usually played so stiff and formal? Not here. Cusick's Jesus is smart, quick, bold, and charismatic. I would've followed that Jesus anywhere! Christopher Plummer's narration is just right too and ties everything together.

The DVD has a lot of extra information about the meticulous study that went into making this film, and the truly gifted way the Director, Philip Saville, brought this Gospel to life.

This little movie has become one of our family's all time favorites. Honestly, we watch it over and over again, quote it to each other, show it to other people. No, it's not a great movie; but it is a funny movie. You just have to have a taste for silliness, a childlike taste.

When the nefarious Devlin Bowman (Brent Spiner) kidnaps his legendary father (James Brolin), Pistachio Disguisey (Dana Carvey) has to learn the ways of "Energico" and go to the rescue -- not just of his parents but of numerous national treasures besides. Ably helped by an assistant Jennifer (Jennifer Esposito) and his mystical grandfather (Harold Gould), Pistachio slowly becomes the Master of Disguise.

Carvey, who has always cracked me up anyway, whirls through an army of loopy characters -- Granny Num-Nums, Mr. Peru, Terry Suave, Constable Muller, Cherry Pie Man ("Look! It's Cherry Pie Man!," like everybody knows him), and the great Turtle Man. There are also Robert Shaw from Jaws and even President George W. Bush at a crucial moment.

The DVD (yes, we own it) special features show those weren't all he had in mind -- Mayor Maynot is so well done, but was cut out completely, for instance.

Special kudos to Spiner, who was evil, and Esposito, who played along hilariously. And the guy offering hors d'oeuvres to Mr. Peru, just for keeping a straight face.

The Italian accents are uniformly awful, I'll admit, and the gags are sometimes dopey. But they're funny dopey, not painful dopey. If you're not too sophisticated to enjoy a simply enjoyable movie, rent this movie or pick it up for $5 at Half Price Books like we did. Watch it with some kids, about 10 years old. It will be difficult for you to stop laughing.