JEANNE’S REVIEW

With Holy Week beginning around the world in a few days culminating with Easter, it’s the perfect time for Angel Studios to release THE KING OF KINGS. For director Seong-ho Jang, this is a project he has been passionate about for almost a decade.

Charles Dickens, voiced here by Kenneth Branagh, has a yearly Christmas tradition of reading aloud to his family one of his short stories. It is “the greatest story ever told” about the life of Jesus. At first, his young son, Walter (voiced by Roman Griffin Davis), is more interested in slaying dragons, but soon he and the family cat, Willa, are drawn into this fascinating account of a baby named Jesus.

Beginning with the birth in a manger, the three Wise Men and King Herod (voiced by Mark Hamill), who wishes to kill the sought-after baby, Walter walks alongside Jesus in this beautifully animated film. Walter is witness to His many miracles as Jesus (voiced by Oscar Isaac) becomes an adult. He is surrounded by His disciples, including Peter (voiced by Forest Whitaker), whom Jesus warns will deny even knowing Him.

And when Jesus is taken away by the High Priest Caiaphas (voiced by Sir Ben Kingsley) and forced to appear before Pontius Pilate (voiced by Pierce Brosnan) as the King of the Jews, and then nailed to a cross, Dickens’ story shares every detail and Walter is then able to understand how Jesus came to sacrifice himself. THE KING OF KINGS is a powerful reminder for Christians everywhere of Jesus’ undying love.

Written by Jang and Rob Edwards based on Dickens’ short tale which was completely unknown until it was published in 1934 six decades after his death, THE KING OF KINGS is a shiny example of masterful storytelling. The star-studded voice cast, which also includes Uma Thurman as Charles Dickens’ wife, Catherine, is superb. And the animation is particularly impressive, especially Walter and Willa, who both sport big and expressive eyes.

I cannot think of a better way to tell this extraordinary story. Children and adults will be enthralled by this magical moviegoing experience.

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

THE KING OF KINGS from Angel Studios --- a company known for its Christian-themed films --- has created a superbly animated tale about the life of Jesus, from birth to crucifixion. It is the studio’s initial animated effort and features an impressive array of voice talent.

The movie cleverly intertwines the story of Christ while Charles Dickens, who wrote the short story upon which this film is based --- relates it to his son, Walter --- and his adorably annoying cat, Willa.

In the opening sequence, Charles Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh) appears on stage with his son, Walter (voiced by Roman Griffin Davis), in front of a live audience. But Walter does something untoward, and he is rebuked by his father. When the family gets home, Catherine Dickens (voiced by Uma Thurman), suggests to her husband that he tell their son a story about forgiveness, which leads to the saga of Jesus. The unusual aspect of this animated effort is that the characters from Dickens’ era are part and parcel of the story of Jesus.

The rest of the principal voice cast in THE KING OF KINGS consists of Oscar Isaac (Jesus), Pierce Brosnan (Pontius Pilate), Sir Ben Kingsley (High Priest Caiaphas), Mark Hamill (King Herod) and Forest Whitaker (Peter). Actor James Arnold Taylor is credited with four total voices, and Kristin Chenoweth vocalizes “Live Like That” during the closing credits.

Director Seong-ho Jang co-wrote the screenplay with Rob Edwards based on Dickens’ short story. The animation --- from the many crowd scenes to something as simple as the shadows of the participants --- is special to behold --- and makes THE KING OF KINGS worth a second viewing. This is an extremely meaningful version of Christ’s life and is clearly suitable for moviegoers of all ages.

Opinion: See It Now!