40 Nights

I am, admittedly, only a little over halfway into this (although it feels like I've been watching for hours), but am doubtful that I will finish it (and that's saying something, since, as a peplum fan, I'm an extremely tolerant viewer), so here is my assessment thus far: Ron Swanson as definitely well over 30 (or 40, for that matter) hippy, new age Jesus, and the villain from an old made-for-TV children's movie as Satan (we used to achieve the same "scary voice" effect playing with a tape recorder as kids in the 80's), in an apparently no-budget "Bible movie" that's really a western, with painfully modern, American non-actors, reciting dialogue that can't decide what century it's being spoken in, and seems to have been written by Tommy Wiseau.

There are at least 6 or 7 sermons I could write off of this movie alone. First, the cinematography was beautiful. Wow. The actor who portrays the devil, made me mad and that could only mean he performed this role very well. The portrayal of Jesus Christ is effortlessly genuine and comforting to both watch and hear. The lamb was adorable. So representative of how we stray away so easily. It's something how most want to only portray the crucifixion, when very little emphasis is put on all the moments before. I plan to watch this again. But, after just one time watching it my spirit is left in gratitude and awe of my Lord and Saviors sacrifice on my behalf. It's a showing of how capable our spirit really is over our flesh, if we are willing. This film is anointed from start to finish. That means it's favored to win souls. I thought the portrayal of decreasing in strength, an actors ability to play hunger and the extreme effects there off was quite accurate. The way the enemy comes at us in our weaknesses in times of weaknesses. For example, the scene involving the lust and the woman who wasn't a woman at first. Clever. The different voices were chilling and scary and just what I would've imagined. Wow. I can't say enough good things. I ask that you please continue to write and produce stories rarely touched, out of the bible. Since, you do them so well. I plan to order to add to my collection! Good work.

There are several things I enjoy about this original Biblical drama movie. One is that no one has ever focused before on imagining the true test Jesus was put to in the desert for 40 days and nights tempted by Satan. An account of the search for the faith and strength that lies within him. In this movie, we see the human side of Christ and flashbacks of his past as he sets off on his journey of fasting to prepare his soul for sacrifice. I like that the movie's style of dialogue and visual style are consistent with each other. Biblical dramas in the 50s and 60s had more of the "European painting" and theatrical look to them, and dialogue that was theatrically stilted, because they were more like large-scale pageants. In this movie, the dialogue is not poetic or theatrical at all, but more realistic, in keeping with the gritty visual look. It was filmed in Yuma AZ desert and though it was impossible to show the largeness of Jerusalem, I didn't feel cheated out of anything worthwhile. The scenery and panoramic shots took my breath away. There also were many special affects that enhanced the realism and powers of Satan and the Angels. I like that the movie doesn't show anything except what Jesus Christ experiences. His interactions, memories and personal internal battles. Some people might call it a suspenseful mystery, but it seemed more to me like a character-focused drama where Jesus must make choices based on the knowledge given to him. A film that will inspire, whether a believer or not. It is thought provoking and challenging. DJ Perry is superb as Jesus. Perfect Lenten material as one reflects upon his or her relationship with Jesus. It's a pretty interesting movie. I loved it.

I recently saw this movie, and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The film covers the time when Jesus spent 40 nights in the desert after he was baptized. In the desert, Jesus is tempted three times by the devil.

The filmmakers used Jesus's time in the desert as an opportunity to flash back to other times in Jesus's life. The flashbacks are some of my favorite moments in the film. I also really enjoyed the conversations between Jesus and the devil.

In this era of faith-based films, I was relieved to find that this film does not serve as a revisionist version of the Bible. I felt this was an extremely honest version of the story and represented a theologically sound story. This was what caused my pleasant sense of surprise.

I am someone who very much enjoyed watching "The Passion of the Christ," but that is also a movie that I have only watched one time, due to the nature of some of the scenes. This is a similar type of movie in terms of its portrayal of Jesus, except that I can see myself watching this movie on a regular basis. The themes of faith and fear are inspiring, and I actually look forward to seeing this movie again. The movie leaves on a high note, and is quite uplifting.

The film looks beautiful overall. Some of the desert shots are gorgeous.

In total, I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys faith-based movies but also to anyone who is looking for an inspirational movie that will capture your attention.

FORTY NIGHTS, starring DJ Perry as Jesus, directed by Jesse Low, is the first part of the Quest Trilogy of films--the next films being CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST-SLAYER.

In this film, we see a side to Jesus of Nazareth that perhaps we've not quite seen before on the Big Screen as He faces the wilderness alone against the Tempter. Within that interaction comes many questions and considerations about the nature of mankind, the frailty, the evil, the good--as well as the Goodness of the Lord.

The film, though on a low budget, punches above its weight telling the story in a unique, thoughtful, quality way.

I really enjoyed the film and reflected on it long after watching it.

The acting in this film is good and notable.

I highly recommend FORTY NIGHTS!