A solid Science Fiction film with over rated flaws

Rating: 6/10 (20 June 2006)

There are so many knives out for this film. Lots will watch it for the controversy and then bag it for the same reason. This is not a bad film. The plot is significant and interesting. The action is lively. The only area where it falls down is in theology, but then only the marketers and Axe grinders of religion place any claims on this film for THAT.
If the claims of religious historicity were put aside, the leads would be viewed as being good for their roles. The girl is pretty and doesn't need to remove her clothes to prove it. The male lead doesn't use excessive profanity to show emotion. Already supporters of licentiousness have it in for the film on those counts ..
The bad guys are inhumanly weird, which reinforces core values.
The storyline is taken from the book, which I haven't read, but know in minute detail. I'm a committed Christian and am not troubled or enlightened by the story. I can see where history has been inflated and adjusted to suit the story .. and it works. This will disappoint atheists keen to find a new weapon, but it will also distract religious leaders keen to have a opinion on something modern.
I'm a big fan of Mr Howard. This isn't "The Paper" but it is a solid film if you allow yourself to see beyond the hype and suspend your disbelief ;)