King of Kings – REVIEW

Instead of being just another disappointing endeavor by red-haired complainer Prince Harry, “King of Kings” is actually an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ work, “The Life of our Lord.” Originally, this was a personal adaptation of the life of Christ created by the author, which he used to read to his children every Christmas. Due to his specific instructions, it wasn’t published until all his children had passed away in 1934. What we have today is an animated movie with a renowned cast of voices, such as Kenneth Branagh voicing Dickens, who initially appears on stage performing “A Christmas Carol” while his family waits backstage. His son Walter, a precocious child, interrupts the performance by arguing that the story of King Arthur is superior, causing an unforeseen and chaotic conclusion to the play.

When they return home, Dickens’ wife Catherine (Uma Thurman) tells their son a retelling of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, aiming to show him that Jesus was not only an exceptional leader but also the true King of Kings. This account is presented in brief scenes drawn from all four gospels, each scene designed to captivate the audience, especially children. In this version, Walter appears as if he’s watching the story unfold, a technique used to engage viewers more deeply with the tale.

In simpler terms, the animation is pleasantly smooth, and its star-studded voice cast featuring Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Ben Kingsley, Forest Whitaker, and Oscar Isaac perform admirably, although at times Christ’s voice sounds like that of a relaxed surfer. As it’s intended for children, the portrayal of the crucifixion is handled sensitively, and there are some powerful visuals, with Christ standing on a turbulent sea of Galilee being particularly impactful.

Additionally, it’s worth staying till the end credits, as they display early character and setting sketches. Although some parts of the gospels have been left out due to brevity, this portrayal remains suitable for children in our progressively secular era.

Here’s the King of Kings trailer….

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2025-04-10 02:23