Chasing the Star

This came up as suggested for Christmas, and oh how I wish it hadn't. I have no idea what the point of this movie was. Each of the magi except for balshazar were made out to be irreverent and.regretful. Herod's portrayal was more appropriate for a psycho thriller. It felt as if at least 70% of the movie was flashbacks about each of the magi's individual and quite pathetic pasts. The acting wasn't worthy of B grade. Some characters had lovely accents, but most sounded like mechanics or truck drivers, completely off from the characters they portrayed. There were also quite a few pointless plot elements that were just stupid and inappropriate, and in some cases cruel and mean. It felt like the writers and directors of this film were disturbed or really wanted to put out a dark drama, but for some reason chose something sacred to defile instead. I am all for introducing humanity into modern day retellings of historic and biblical events (hello, The Chosen). But this was beyond awful. The never ending dark and sinister music, the teenage angst style behaviors of people who were supposed to be wise men... it was all just really bad. The cover image of this movie showing the beautiful star and 3 camels needs to be scrapped, because it reflects nothing of this movie's dark and sinister tone. That image is deceiving.

As CHASING THE STAR follows the Three Magi (Wisemen) on their predestined quest, instead of the epic Biblical story we're familiar with, it provides wonderfully intimate portraits of humanity caught up in larger cosmic themes of power, pride, status and duty weighed against individual choice. Though the breathtaking scenery and some very nice effects capture an arduous journey, the focus is on small moments of personal struggle, often done in poignant flashback, as each of the very different trio comes to terms with the surrender of his own dreams (and demons) to embrace the sacrifice their faith demands. From main cast to brief cameos, the acting is top notch, earnest and emotional, with refreshing hints of humor. The decisions are heartrending and real. My personal favorites: The appearance of warrior angels (no wings or halos for these all business fellows!) and the slickly seductive tempter weaving in and out of the story offering dreams like forbidden fruit. My only peeve: The sound track, though appropriate, got a bit heavy at times. A thoroughly entertaining and enlightening film I would recommend to all viewers.

Unique telling of the Magi story, which has been overlooked both spiritually and cinematically. The movie takes us with The Three Wise Man as they reveal their own faith journey on their way to Bethlehem. Strong performances by Bello Pizzimenti and Taymour Ghazi. Rance Howard isn't on the screen long but like a true pro he doesn't have to be and he makes the most of it.

I was hoping for a different perspective... but I am always open to screenplays taking license with a very "open" subject. Almost nothing is known about the (3) wise men, other than they came from the "east", they brought gifts, and they left Judea without "touching base" with Herod. If you expect and find a screenplay that is "biblically accurate", you will end up with The Passion of the Christ; nothing else in western filmography is even close. It may be useful to reread your bible, folks. What you will find here is putting some background to (three) men's lives that in no way conflicts with what is known about them. I was especially drawn to the evil that enveloped Herod. He was a real piece of work, custom made for a place in hell.

Seriously folks with respect to human idiosyncrasies some of the reviews must have been posted by the cast and crews family and friends. Perhaps, the same ones who donated the use of their living room for the filming of the going away party scene for the movies novice Maji. As commented on by another reviewer, the acting is unfortunate, and the story for want of a better term, is a thinly woven tale that borrows more from biblical language than from biblical facts. All of which, is made even sadder by the movie's insulting lack of concern for period accuracy. The costumes were not far above what one would expect from a high school drama project, and the set design was poor enough to be shameful. The afore mentioned party scene literally takes place in a suburban living room, replete with curtained and paned windows, a slipcovered sofa with end tables, and a dining room table and chairs straight out of a Sears catalogue. Either the film makers are ignorant or they believe that the rest of us are.