Pretty Good

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Boring

Blistering performances.

There are so many things wrong with this movie. I am fine that they wanted to make a speculative movie about Jesus as a youth, but at least use the facts we do know. Let's start with the fact that they have him meet the Wise Men as a babe. He was close to 2 years old when they arrive. Also Joseph and Mary had left prior to the children being killed. Then the reason they leave Egypt since they are told it is safe. Ummmm, this movie is all about it not being safe. Then they have him going to the temple at age 7, he was 12. And why do they always have Jesus not knowing who he is? I am pretty certain Joseph and Mary told Christ who He was from the earliest days. And even if they didn't He would know since He is the Son of God. Yes everyone knows the secret that He is God except Him. I don't buy it. About the only thing they got correct was I am sure Satan tried to tempt him. Serious Train Wreck!

Jesus (Adam Greaves-Neal), Mary (Sara Lazzaro) and Joseph (Vincent Walsh) had fled from Bethlehem to Egypt to avoid King Herod's decree of killing every male baby hoping to kill Jesus, a rival that threatened him. When they learn of King Herod's death, the family returns home to Nazareth only to become aware that Herod's son (Jonathan Bailey) is after the same thing as his father. Jesus at 7-years of age is aware that his family is keeping secrets from him.The birth of Jesus, the finding of Jesus in the Temple by Mary, and the wedding in Canaan are the three events we are most familiar with until Jesus begins his ministry at 30-years of age. In this story we see that Jesus doesn't really know who he is. He can do things like perform miracles, but doesn't know why he can do these things. He asks many questions and eventually Mary tells him of his birth and who he really is and that he must hide his powers until God tells him when he can use them. We see Roman Centurion Severus (Sean Bean) ordered by Herod to find and kill Jesus and this takes up most of the movie. And yes, they do meet for a second time. (A second time???)We also see The Demon (Rory Keenan) following Jesus as he is not sure who Jesus is. Jesus is the only one who can see and hear The Demon. This is not a Christian exposé, so to speak, so we do not get a lot of Christianity and benefits thereof. But no worries as this Is not a revival. (Thank you)This is a story made up by Anne Rice - the Vampire authoress - about a boy learning who he is and the family and friends protecting him from harm. However, if those of you who have read the Valtorta books you know Jesus knew who he was from the very start. Be that as it may, this is a refreshing look into "maybe it was like this." Everything was constructive and nothing was destructive and it's a very enjoyable story.You can almost believe that Jesus may have looked like and behaved as we see Adam Greaves-Neal behave in this story. And that's a nice touch. This is a well presented production and the acting all around is very good. (7/10)Violence: Yes, some not much. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.

Having thought this may have been on the boring side I was quite surprised to find myself absolutely glued to it from start to finish. It was wonderful to watch. I thought the cast played their roles extremely well and the film was well thought out. I think many religious films get slated by critics because many believe that in the 21st century religion isn't as important to some as it was years ago. I think Adam Greaves-Neal played the role really well. Not wanting to annoy any Americans reading this but it was fresh to hear an innocent English speaking accent in a film such as this. I thought the music was beautiful too and captured the scenes really well. This was refreshing to watch and at times I had watery eyes too but this is a feel good film and it is definitely worth watching.

Don't think there has been a movie about Jesus as a little boy so this is an interesting and entertaining movie about Jesus around 7 years old leaving Egypt and returning to Nazareth and Jerusalem. It's done in quite an exciting way with a constant sense of danger as the evil King Herod dispatches Roman soldiers to kill Jesus. The scenery looks good and there are several miracles along the way.The young actor who plays Jesus, Adam Greaves Neal is certainly cherubic / angelic. He delivers his lines clearly with a very strong British accent. The actress who plays Mary is suited to the role and looks very much an image of Mary. Sean Bean is a little British Isles to be a Roman. Herod seemed a bit slimy.Worth a watch. Makes you want to learn more about the early life of Jesus.