Cast: This is an interesting mix. Christian Bale brings a good energy to Moses and Joel Edgerton really commits to what he does as Ramses. Ben Kingsley doesn't do anything particularly special for his role as one of the Hebrew elders. Aaron Paul is there, but noticeably underused. John Tuturro does some quick work as the elder Pharaoh. Sigourney Weaver is there too, although I almost missed her beneath the makeup and costumes.
Plot: You're familiar with the bible? It's kind of a popular book. Even if you're not, you should at least know the Charlton Heston movie. The plot's not that different. In, fact, it kind of rigidly adhere's to the story. And, that's the biggest strike against it. The beats play out because they must, not because the characters are appropriately motivated to. They hint at Ramses' jealously without committing to it. Moses sort of limply accepts that he's a Hebrew. People just follow Moses because. The whole thing looks pretty great and it's interesting seeing how Scott tries to make a version of the story where god is more of an invisible hand: a force that could be some illusions and freaks of nature or could be I Am Who Am. It's all rendered pretty meaningless by improper motivation.
Elephant in the Room: Those sure are some white Egyptians. I can't entirely fault this movie for a problem that's systemic. As far as I can tell, almost none of the leads are anything close to being Egyptian or Middle Eastern. Mostly, they're just tanned. Granted, if you are looking to sell a movie on A-list talent, there's not as many actors to choose from (hence, systemic). And, it's probably better than both Moses and Ramses were really white dudes rather than have the good guy be white and the bad guy be Egyptian.
To Sum Things Up:
This is a movie that assumes too much that we already know the story and at two and a half hours, it shouldn't have to assume anything. I shouldn't be watching archetypes pushing and shoving between impressively rendered plagues. I think a lot of time went into recreating the Egyptian empire and decadence to the point that it's almost comical. It nearly comes off as parody. Only, that's the things, the whole thing is played very seriously. There's almost no humor to it, no relief. This is Gladiator without that interesting characters.
Verdict (?): Strongly Don't Recommend
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