Gods of Egypt (2016)
Rated PG-13
Starring Brenton Thwaites, Courtney Eaton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Chadwick Boseman, Gerard Butler, Bryan Brown, Rachael Blake, Geoffrey Rush,
Directed by Alex Proyas
The Story:
The story of how Set (Butler) betrayed his brother Osiris (Brown) and took over the throne of Egypt, much to Horus' (Waldau) dismay. The only one who can hope to stop Seth is a little mortal named Bek (Thwaites) who refuses to acknowledge the gods of Egypt, but will do anything to help his beloved (Eaton) return to life.
And yes, of course this is based on a true story.
Or, at least the cool myth of Osiris, Set and Horus.
Getting my background for the film, it appears that the main complaint about this film, it should have been filled with black actors instead of white actors.
Okay.
I guess.
In theory, it should have been filled with actual Egyptian actors, but this is Hollywood, and you pretty much take what you're given.
I've seen enough black actors playing white roles and women playing men's roles, etc. etc. etc...
I pretty much don't care anymore.
As long as they are a decent actor in a decent story that will hold my interest, I'm pretty easygoing on this subject.
So the question becomes really this:
Is the film any good?
The answer?
Yes, it kind of is.
Not in a Gladiator or Ben Hur or other dramatic swords and sandals epic drama.
More in the Clash of the Titans can I check my brain at the door, munch some popcorn and not be thoroughly bored for the next 90 minutes, then Gods Of Egypt succeeds.
The size differential aspect between gods and mortals is a concept that doesn't get used very often, and establishes that there is indeed something different about this Gerard Butler than other Butlers we may be used to.
It's a cheesy throwback, but with today's technology doesn't look nearly as laughable as it once did.
The action scenes are well choreographed and the plot keeps moving you along to the final battle with very little to drag things down.
It's a popcorn movie, through and through. :)
C+
