EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS (PG-13)
20th Century Fox
RUSS
Did you know that God was a whiney 10-year-old boy with a British accent? That’s just one of the revelations in Ridley Scott’s bizarre miscalculation, “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” This revisionist look at the same Biblical territory covered by Cecil B. De Mille’s “The Ten Commandments” delivers some impressive spectacle, but also some laughable dialogue and oddball casting. European Christian Bale is Moses and Australian Joel Edgerton is Ramses, and they make do with what they’ve been given. Scott tries to have it both ways, allowing audiences to decide for themselves whether the events were natural or supernatural and whether Moses was a prophet or merely delusional. That wishy-washy attitude sinks it. While dated and corny, De Mille’s version is still the superior one. Thou shalt skip “Exodus.”
SHAWN says: “Exodus” is a cinematic spectacular visually. Unfortunately, the story is silly and dated and the casting insulting.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
TOP FIVE (R)
Paramount
RUSS
Here are the top five things about the comedy “Top Five:” 1) It’s outrageous, 2) Irreverent, 3) Profane, 4) Funny, 5) Chris Rock’s best movie. Rock wrote, directed and stars in this movie about a comedian whose career suffers when he tries to go dramatic. While it’s very crude and edgy, “Top Five” bristles with the kind of smart and insightful humor that has become Rock’s trademark. It’s the kind of movie Woody Allen wishes he still made.
SHAWN says: “Top Five” is the best movie of the year. Easily the funniest comedy this year. It’s this generation’s ‘Annie Hall.’ Sharp, insightful and funny. Chris Rock finally wins.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 5 Popcorn Bags
ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK:
-“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is the first Iranian Vampire Western!
-“Last Days of Vietnam” is a documentary about the war’s chaotic climax.
-“Point and Shoot” is a documentary about an American who takes a trek through the Middle East only to get caught up in the fight against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
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