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.

This was the last film that the iconic actor Dan Haggerty (aka Grizzly Adams) was in. He is heard at the beginning as "the voice of God," which is interesting as he died not long after of January 15th. 2016. Dan was my dear friend and business partner for about 20 years, he was always good with exits, but wow! What a way to go - as the voice of God!

I enjoyed watching the film '40 Nights' and I have to say that it was challenging and encouraging. The film uniquely tells the story of Jesus and the 40 Nights in the wilderness after he was baptized. Beautifully shot in the desert, Jesus is confronted by the enemy. Flashbacks take the viewer back into the life of Jesus and addresses real issues that we all face every day. The film stays true and doesn't try to reshape Biblical truth, it is a glimpse into the lives of those in time of Christ. It portrays the eternal messages in a powerful but simple setting that is enjoyable to watch. It is a film that will build your faith and inspire you as you apply it to your life. The ending is especially direct and challenging. Watch it, you will be glad you did. – Terry Bomar, Minister, speaker, (Former manager to Dan "Grizzly Adams" Haggerty – this was Dan's last movie)

We host a monthly Christian movie night at a local theatre in Navasota, TX. Miller's Theatre donates its space for our movie showings and we are able to show our films without admission charge.

Yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, we shared 40 Nights, by DJ Perry. Which is the first film of a trilogy, 40 Nights, Chasing the Star and the soon to be released, Christ Slayer. DJ was generous enough to license our showings and to provide background material for our showing.

We had about 40 people in attendance for our showing and we were very pleased with the audience reaction which ended in applause at the close of the film.

40 Nights a is well done telling of Christ's 40 days in the wilderness from an intimate perspective of Christ's experience in building His strength for the coming trials of his ministry and its conclusion in the crucifixion.

We recommend this film to viewers who seek a deeper perspective on Christ's experience at the beginning of His ministry and the challenges met in the wilderness.

40 Nights Excellent script about an unknown subject matter. When you try to imagine what was said in the historical situation it is difficult not to step on someone's toes compared with their views of the subject. The dialogue maneuvered very comfortably through these deep waters. Even a stiff neck Christian would appreciate the clever way it was portrayed what Christ might have went through. It was very believable that it could happen that way. The accuracy with Scripture was very pleasing. This allowed me as a viewer to trust the script to take me in any direction. The story line inspires the viewer to think about what could have happened with an open mind. A truly beautiful film. The shooting location looked like right out of the holy land. The cinematography is first-class. The editing of the film was so smooth it was hardly even noticed. You certainly have a great crew working with you. I would give it five stars and encourage all believers to view it. Good job!

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.