Overrated and terminally dull

Rating: 3/10 (19 May 2000)

I can't believe this overblown, overwrought three-hour snorefest gets so much acclaim. It may have looked great back in 1959, and I must admit that the chariot race still looks pretty impressive, but it's just a single bright spot in the otherwise unmemorable film. The story itself is quite majestic and epic, but unfortunately brought down by the laughably dated visuals, sluggish pace and terrible acting. Charlton Heston, in particular, gives one of the most wooden performances I've ever seen, to the point where his "menacing" stares and bared teeth brought unintentional giggles on my part. Overall, Ben-Hur is a film that just doesn't stand the test of time.