Ben-Hur

  • U/A (INDIA)
  • 2016


MOVIE IS entertaining cinematic terrible lackluster exciting
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41 %
25 % Rotten
$ 94 Million
See Where to Watch Ben-Hur
Positive Reviews 63
Negative reviews 86
Average Rating 2.4/5
entertaining cinematic terrible lackluster exciting

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  • Negative
2.0
But really, its all about the storys symbolic baptisms and Bekmambetovs askew wide angle compositions. Av Club
2.0
So, Bekmambetov keeps everything tight, creating incoherent collages instead of thrilling vistas, and even though the race does have its moments of vi .. Den Of Geek
2.0
Bekmambetovs insistence on close ups might have been a budgetary matter, but the result is a muddled, inconsequential messand another symbol of the mo .. EW
3.8
The briskness was but one reason I found this quasi Biblical epic strangely refreshing. Rogerebert
3.0
This movie is thrilling to watch, and the 21st century production values definitely stand out when compared to the classic version (and the two will d .. Common Sense Media
3.0
Call it Chariots of Misfire..The good news is that the story of Ben Hur is so rock solid that not even the director of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter .. Indie Wire
5.0
Ben Hur is an oddly lackluster affair: sludgy and plodding, photographed in nondescript medium close up, an epic that feels like a mini series served .. Variety
3.0
It cant always escape the shadow of its namesake, but when this Ben Hur comes into its own, it does so with a thrilling fire and brimstone ferocity. We Got This Covered
1.5
Instead, it is a blandly competent and doggedly uninspired redo of material adapted a half dozen times already. Austin Chronicle
2.0
Sinking to the bottom of a heap of monolithic summer flops, this remake fails both as action fare and as a spiritual parable. Time Out
2.0
The director of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter delivers a thuddingly dull witted remake of a biblical epic that wasnt exactly subtle to begin with. The Guardian
1.0
But this is a greenscreen Ben Hur and the passion and grandeur of scale have gone missing.Bekmambetovs direction has nothing in the way of nuance or o .. The Guardian
3.0
Thats a double edged sword in the third act, as the film struggles to tie up all the loose ends, but the performances are just good enough to get thou .. The Guardian
1.3
Throughout, Ben Hur keeps teasing us with the promise of the chariot race.
1.9
The acting is mediocre, the cliches sprout like weeds and the dialogue is at times unintentionally laughable.
2.5
An epic tale of revenge and forgiveness with a junk food centre, Timur Bekmambetovs Ben Hur remake offers robust spectacle and some decent performance .. Screen Daily
3.0
While I wish it maintained its strong characterizations and topical themes throughout the story, Ben Hur is still an admirable contender in the summer .. Collider
4.5
Its a film thats got two strong lead performances, a terrific first act, an exciting chariot race, and a message of forgiveness. Collider
1.5
Mostly because those other films dont know how to make that story dramatically viable (see: The Bible or The Greatest Story Ever Told). Collider
1.0
It needed a star like the Russell Crowe of Gladiator to provide dramatic heft. The New York Times
2.9
Chariots of tired.Director Timur Bekmambetov looks to combine his particular action style with a classic tale of Christian forgiveness in Ben Hur, the .. IGN
3.0
For Timur Bekmambetov, the Kazakh born director of Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, the answers simple: plenty, providing it keeps things m .. Telegraph
4.0
But as the 1959 version demonstrated, these action moments need underlying dramatic plausibility to be most effective, and neither Huston, the grandso ..
1.3
They end up with something soulless and empty, with all the mystery and grandeur of the tale just gone. San Francisco Chronicle
1.5
The Jesus of Ben Hur is not one that challenges us.But divorced from its themes, this is still the ugliest and most generic of the recent Bible films. The Young Folks
2.0
Passable for the most part, but laughably inept in places, Ben Hur 2016 relies on its overly CG action to pull it through. But in the end it can only ..
2.5
A bruising, pulse racing mix of savagery and CGI, the competition musters tension and thrills, even as its outcome remains solidly predictable. Cinema Blend
2.5
Its amazing how much that film manages to dwarf this one in spectacle, with even new 3D visuals not being able to hold a candle to the huge scope of t .. JoBlo
1.5
There is a timely message of tolerance and forgiveness, but Ben Hur is a poorly constructed historical epic that fails to leave an impact. Screen Rant
1.3
Often its genuinely thrilling, always its noisy, sometimes its confusing. The Globe And Mail
2.5
While its depiction of Jesus suffering is graphic, the films religious message is so gooey, soft, and feel good, it might as well be a New Age pamphle .. Philly
3.0
Morgan Freemans character a shrewd but honest merchant who cannot resist a good bet is sagely wise enough, and he carries it off with effortless ease. ..
2.0
To be sure Lincoln was a hoot, a guilty pleasure par excellence, but the loony spirit that infused it is hardly what one is looking for in an adaptati .. One Guys Opinion
2.5
As Charlton Heston would have told you, if you rush it, its not an epic. Rogers Movie Nation
2.0
Even the adequately done but not too thrilling CGI heavy center piece 15 minute long chariot race adds little to this stodgy film. Sover
2.5
An amateurish effort that boasts direct to video characteristics, the latest version disappoints in almost every production aspect. ReelViews
2.0
The epic story of Judah Ben Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala, an officer in the Roman army. Blu Ray
3.0
Lew Wallaces 1880 novel Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ was a publishing phenomenon in its day and a precursor to the Christian entertainment business t .. Chicago Reader
2.5
Whether that undercutting comes during the movies big setpieces or in finding solid and consistent through lines for its characters, it always comes w .. Mark Reviews Movies
1.0
This is a textbook case, step by agonising step, of how not to make a big budget blockbuster. The Times
2.0
The dialogue is all shallow, modern glibness, performed without distinction by dull actors. Eric Ds Nider
1.0
The story is shredded to the bare bones, then the bones picked clean of drama and common sense.Even the chariot race is ho hum. News Review
1.5
In other words, there are no surprises here: You can see everything thats coming. indiaglitz
3.0
While there is nothing particularly awful about this remake of the 1959 ancient world classic, the brash, breakneck style obviously geared towards a y .. Radio Times
2.0
Im not saying I necessarily wanted an even longer version of the film (it already clocks in just above two hours), but this sort of tale is grand in s .. Screen It
1.3
But the movie soon blots out any hint of fun, ferocity or imagination. Rolling Stone
2.0
Its competently made, with adequate sets, costumes, and performances, but it lacks the thrills, heart, and inspiration to capture the imagination. Pop Matters
1.5
The result is something blunt and overstuffed instead of large scale heartstopping. The Wrap
2.0
Nowadays you can do just about anything with computer generated graphics, which, paradoxically, takes much of the magic out of the movies. Cs Monitor
2.5
Bekmambetovs race is loud and furiously edited, but lacks a consistent narrative, a sense of momentum. Film Journal
0.0
Theres a fatally miscast lead (Jack Huston, you are no Charlton Heston), cut rate special effects, reams of eyeball glazing dialogue, and a schmaltzy .. New York Post
1.5
For an act and a half Ben Hur is so dull and lifeless, it makes Ridley Scotts similar Biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings look like a classic. Hindustan Times
3.1
What is the merit in turning an iconic four hour Bible epic into a two hour drama with updated special effects Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..
2.0
Philipps keeps shooting his characters in tight pairings, as if searching for tension, but the story lacks momentum and it only really comes alive thr .. Smh
3.8
With an ending that is hokey but a genuinely nice epilogue invented for this version, the film manages to end on a good grace note. Star Tribune
2.5
Its not great. Its not terrible. It is bland manufactured entertainment product. Its fine. Hollywood is not creatively bankrupt. Everything is fine.
2.5
Nor can anything make us forget Charlton Hestons granite jawed version of proud Judah. Toronto Star
3.1
Otherwise, the film works well enough, but mostly in workman like fashion that never becomes truly rousing. Q Network
2.0
Actually, its not quite as bad as its commercial performance suggests, but thats not to say its much good, either. Daily Mail
3.0
The production values may be high, but theres very few consistent thrills. Flim List
1.0
The epic has been big no pun intended in Hollywood since the days of DeMille.Sadly, modern Hollywood seems to have largely forgotten how its done. Film Inquiry
2.5
For those who have not seen it, this film will possibly suffice on the strength of the bone crunching chariot race and the exotic spectacle of the anc ..
3.5
If you havent seen the age old classic, dont worry, you can still watch this one and enjoy. Book My Show
2.5
Its ending even further dilutes whatever little impact its sympathetic viewing of Biblical characters may have generated, showing it up for half heart .. The New Indian Express
1.5
Its ending even further dilutes whatever little impact its sympathetic viewing of Biblical characters may have generated, showing it up for half heart .. The New Indian Express
2.5
This is largely deliberate.The physical mayhem in director Bekmambetovs hands is meant to be chaotic and messy. Chicago Tribune
3.0
If only the rest of the film had been so unintentionally hilarious.Instead its just dull. Uproxx
2.5
Its not great. Its not terrible. It is bland manufactured entertainment product. Its fine. Hollywood is not creatively bankrupt. Everything is fine. Flickfilosopher
2.0
The filmmaker behind Wanted and Daywatch contracts the 212minutes required by the Wyler film, into a 120 minutes flurry of fast cuts. The Irish Times
2.0
Both its running time (about two hours, compared to the 1959 films nearly four) and its overt religious message have been cut way back, leaving a trun .. Las Vegas Weekly
4.5
There isnt much adrenaline rush and clearly the film does not want the audience to participate, but simply observe. Deccan Chronicle
1.5
But this Ben Hur is explicitly a faith based film.And a preachy one. Pajiba
1.3
This new version of Ben Hur is consistently at war with itself, a tonal nightmare of didactic faith based melodramatic drivel coupled with over edited .. Movie Freak
2.8
It should come as no surprise that, at a technical level, the Chariot race is the focus of the film as well and the greatest beneficiary of Bekmambeto ..
2.5
The net result is a movie that, even with moments of cinematic, computer generated splendor, feels like a Hallmark Channel remake of a theatrical clas .. Cnn
3.0
Director Timur Bekmambetovs adventure drama sells its core themes in a way that will please the overtly devout and general audiences just looking for .. Forbes
1.5
Before we address this feeble film as a whole, lets leave out the chariot race sequence from the overall assessment.Though its a choppy, croppy cyclon .. Herald Sun
3.0
Bekmambetov never meets a shot of PG 13 testing brutality he doesnt like. Consequence Of Sound
2.5
Those moments are still, truly epic.But bringing in the over exposed Morgan Freeman to play Sheik Ilderim is a decided mistake, guaranteed to take us .. Nj
1.5
It achieves sometimes overachieves the epic greatness to which it aspired. Vox
3.0
Its also impossible to compare this version with its predecessor which was ultimately one of the greatest pieces of cinema ever made. Hey U Guys
3.0
In spite of its various imperfections, Ben Hur always manages to entertain, proving the timelessness of epic structure and scale. The Play List
2.0
The trade off is a less majestic scope for a more visceral thrill; not an improvement, but not a cheap imitation either. Now Toronto
2.0
Timur Bekmambetovs period epic Ben Hur gives the BC era the AD treatment. Scroll
2.5
Ben Hur Offers a Fresh But Flimsy Take on the Tale of the Christ The latest version isnt bad but also isnt very good.There is one noteworthy sequence .. Film School Rejects
2.5
The gruesome pileups and ferocious battle makes for welcome drama. Film Ink
2.0
But its the kind of spectacle that prompts more awe than affection: despite the justly famous climactic chariot race, as storytelling its worn less we .. The Age
1.5
Todays filmmakers may know how to do superhero movies (most of the time), but the Biblical era epic eludes them. Maki At The Movies
2.0
Sure, it hews a faintly predictable path, but it proves theres plenty of life in stop motion yet. Games Radar
2.0
Lets cut to the chariot chase. The latest screen version of Ben Hur would be little more than a condensed miniseries without it, framed for small tele .. Tamp A Bay
2.0
It is a really average movie; dragged down a notch by just how little faith the studio has clearly had in it and how forgettable it all is when all is .. Star Burst Magazine
1.0
Because any way you look at it even the hope of being so bad, its good the new Ben Hur is an epic fail.This one may claim to have gone back to the ori .. Nz Herald
2.0
Ive got to give credit to this new version for being entertaining in parts, even though it still cant justify its own existence. Flicks
2.0
Even if Bekmambetovs CGI galleys still dont look as good as the artistry and craft of 1959s miniatures in a swimming pool. Stuff
2.5
Visually, the film is a fine mix of computer aided spectacle and lived in 1st century settings. Film Racket
3.5
The movie works overtime to both differentiate itself from its predecessor and pay homage to it, mostly successfully. Christianity Today
4.0
Ben Hur is made with enough conviction and thoughtfulness that its messiness, its grandstanding, its occasional bouts of clumsiness cant crack its adm .. Vanity Fair
2.0
Its just that it doesnt remotely outstrip the astonishing technical achievements of films shot nearly 90 and 60 years ago. The Arts Desk
2.0
Otherwise this limp simulacrum of epic filmmaking should be eschewed in favor of that Niblo version. Killer Movie Reviews
3.0
While Ben Hur presents itself as a Bible epic spectacular, it instead succeeds as an intimate depiction of forgiveness gained through the rigours of f .. Matts Movie Reviews
2.0
Its a silly action film pretending to be a Hollywood classic.The production values and the CGI is top notch. FilmFare
3.0
Just the sight of him makes you want to hiss.Whats frustrating is that theres so many good things about this Ben Hur that its hard to understand why s .. Patriot Ledger
3.1
1 of 13 View Caption This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Moises Arias as Dismas, left, and Jack Huston as Judah Ben Hur in a scene from &q .. Sltrib
2.0
Elsewhere, this unadventurous reboot can only highlight how recent epics like Ridley Scotts Gladiator have already plundered the William Wyler film of .. Scmp
2.0
Despite its best intentions, its hard to imagine this film leaving a huge impact on audiences. The Film Pie
2.5
In both cases, current day special effects wizardry means the grand spectacle sequences are more impressive than any previous versions of the oft told .. Chicago Sun Times
3.9
A rousing, thrilling, and exhilarating epic in spite of the lethargic, stilted drama during its first hour. Morgan Freeman shows up as Ilderim to resc .. Nyc Movie Guru
3.0
Huston doesnt command the screen like Heston did but he brings a sensitivity that makes him endearing and sympathetic. Punch Drunk Critics
3.0
Russian Director Timur Bekmambetov delivers a solidly entertaining, well shot, biblical epic. Movie Web
3.0
The chariot race remains pivotal to this latest adaptation and director Timur Bekmambetov (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, 2012) does away with the f .. Straits Times
1.5
Very rarely does it try to impress us, or overwhelm us, shock us, move us. The Ringer
2.0
Clarke and Ridley leave that out but never fill the narrative gap. Metro New York
3.0
Remaking the classic Hollywood epic and 11 time Oscar winner Ben Hur seems redundant so 2016s Ben Hur starts on the back foot before its release. One Room With A View
1.5
You dont have to be hip to mid century cinematic language to get that Judah and Messala were more than just brothers.Its BARELY subtext. Lainey Gossip
1.9
Cheap and cheesy at every level, this Ben Hur barely qualifies as an epic. Seattle Times
1.5
Like the producers Bible TV miniseries, Ben Hur reduces its moral issues to bite size platitudes, stripping away ambiguity and nuance. Film Journal International ..
2.5
The decision to film the major set pieces in extreme close up was ill advised, and these murky and incoherent bits are further crippled by obvious CGI .. Clclt
3.0
A crowd pleasing Biblical action movie should ideally be bold and colorful. East Bay Express
2.5
The latest adds the miracle of 3D, but thats not enough to top its illustrious, 11 Oscar predecessor. National Post
1.0
The suspense is well maintained and Gibson and Moriarty give strong performances. The Australian
2.0
Years spent spilling blood on the battlefield have made him a decorated soldier of the Empire, so when pesky zealots cause a ruckus hes duty bound to .. Sky
5.0
Great acting, cinematography, Thrilling, Enticing, Passionate and Not to Miss Review Express
3.0
Sprightly entertaining, certainly comes as something of a relief after the plodding pretension of Exodus and Noah. Tiny Url
3.0
Huston is always engaged and engaging and the movie is true to the story that has endured in its various versions for more than a century. Movie Mom
2.0
The original runs 3 1/2 hours. This one is two. Its a Cliffs Notes version of one of the best movie stories ever. This one has no heart. A better titl .. Tri City Herald
2.0
The dialogue is dull rather than cheesy, the acting is disappointingly proficient and the 3D CGI effects are actually rather good. Daily Star
3.0
Jack Huston is impressive as Judah Ben Hur. He brings a natural air of noblesse oblige to the role, not to mention the emotional nuance that Mr. Hesto .. Toronto Sun
4.5
Watching THIS chariot race is a breathtaking experience of unbridled enthusiasm and edge of your seat, nail biting tension.
3.8
It wont take its place among the most iconic films of all time, certainly, but it is worth seeing. Qc Times
4.5
This new and entertaining adaptation of Lewis Wallaces novel its full of action.
3.8
The movies action sequences could stand up to your average superhero adventure. Hollywood Into To
1.5
The locations are sprawling and epic, but everything is slathered in the same washed out color palette. Spectrum Culture
2.0
Unfortunately, thinly sketched characters and shaky cinematography undermine director Timur Bekmambetovs attempts to bring the ambitious script to lif .. Cairo 360
4.4
When the camera zooms out, it captures the dramas epic scale and the wonder of new technological effects, that bring these settings to life. Johnhanlon Reviews
2.5
The 2016 film Ben Hur will be remembered as a mistake, and thats with it having a story that can touch our emotions despite being choppy, and featurin .. Tulsa World
2.5
It demands characters with substantial depth and performances that inspire the audiences investment, so that their eventual acquiescence to his messag .. Am Ny
3.5
To explain its failures, it would be easy to point to its lackluster script and wooden performances, but the real problem is spiritual.If youre going .. Washington City Paper
1.0
Its as if hes making his stylistic and aesthetic choices at random; theres no rhyme or reason to the decisions that hes making.
2.0
Despite the films flaws, there will be an audience for this swords and sandals epic. Film Ireland
2.5
The action sequences keep it from being a total wash, but only slightly.The chariot is more brutal than the original, but it isnt as gracefully shot o .. Dark Horizons
2.5
That race is exciting, even if the computer generated horses look unconvincing. Heral
2.0
The result is visceral and exciting but to a generation of moviegoers raised on action blockbusters, its not nearly enough to justify the price of adm .. News
3.0
Despite six decades of technological advances and the presence of a director who has previously shown an ability to present coherent action sequences, .. Review Journal
3.0
Audible chuckles were heard whenever Jesus preached love and forgiveness. Mac Guff
3.0
If unlikely to leave the same cultural sandal print, it is surely the fastest and most furious. Willamette Week
2.0
You can argue its a story that didnt need to be retold 57 years later, but in many ways this version is a better movie.Oddly, thats still not enough t .. Aarp
1.5
This movie was remade, I guess, to hammer you over the head with the fact its supposed to be a Christian morality tale. Abc News Go
2.5
The screenplay is bland, its exposition and frequent voiceover narration plied with plaintive, generic emotional exchanges. MLive.com
3.0
For a movie that wants so badly to be epic regular swooping helicopter shots of long lines of people walking along some ridge or cliff pepper the film ..
2.0
If you liked Gods of Egypt or 300: Rise of an Empire, you will like this. Iol Co Za
4.5
The resolution comes a little quickly and tidily, but otherwise Ben Hur is an efficient, action packed remake for a contemporary audience. L.A. Biz
3.5
Morgan Freeman as Ilderim commands respect and plays his role with an almost regal stature. FlickDirect
1.5
If someone isnt shouting, getting stabbed, blowing up, getting run over by a chariot, or falling off a boat, Bekmambetov cant be bothered to care. The Gate
3.1
Those scenes are amazing, full of wildly disorderly life and not movie making spectacle. Buffalo News
3.5
Ben Hur offers a compelling storyline, told with competence by virtually unknown actors.It is an impressive act of filmmaking but it just needs that e .. Huffing Ton Post
3.0
This modern reboot tells the same story in a brisk two hours and its energy never flags. Leonard Mal
3.0
When it finally arrives director Timur Bekmambetov (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Wanted) serves up an in your face spectacle complete with impress .. Showbiz Junkies
2.5
The remake of Ben Hur is more simplistically faith based than its classic 1959 predecessor, but the tweaks to the storyline make the film feel more in .. Chesapeake Family
2.0
This Ben Hur remake would never be as good as the classic or any other Hollywood peplum film.
2.5
This Ben Hur remake probably would be a hit as a road trip movie but not on movie theaters. Konexión
5.0
A very entertaining variation on the original thats well worth the investment. Baret News Wire
3.0
But recent genre films like Wrath of the Titans and Hercules havent connected with American audiences.Bekmambetov might find a way to bring this story .. Nc Register
1.0
Tacky and Heartless, Ben Hur Remake Shows Classics Should Be Left Untouched The direction is uninspired, the script lacks a subtext, the two lead acto .. Haaretz
2.0
Unfortunately, new interpretation means changing the story dramatically and turning it into a slight rip off of Gladiator and we are not entertained. VultureHound
1.5
Its not the horrible mess I thought it would be but its not enough to redeem itself and be more than deficient.
1.5
The film relies too much on special effects, theres good moments in it but is far from being as great as the 1959s classic. Excelsior
1.5
It ends up being harmless and with the same moral values as a Hallmark Channel production. Butaca Ancha
4.5
For those of us who know the 1959 version well, no comparison is useful. Put it completely out of your mind. See it fresh and through the eyes of teen .. Ncr Online
2.0
Memories of that gripping, cinematic chariot race helped prompt director William Wyler to remake BEN HUR in 1959, in full color and sound, with a top .. We Are Movie Geeks
2.0
A grand tale, the underlying narrative may be; a grand cinema event, Ben Hur circa 2016 definitely isnt. Arts Hub
2.5
However, the sea battle is wonderful and the chariot race (Huston is a good horseman) is spectacular. Phantom Tollbooth
1.5
A thematically confused and misdirected effort to reduce Wallaces story of faith and redemption into a Hollywood blockbuster in an age where the marke ..
2.0
The tightly shot chariot race is at least exciting and intense, but not enough to exceed expectations. Cinema Clips
1.5
That the subtitle is absent in this most recent cinematic remake isnt surprising, jittery Hollywood marketing logic being what it is. The Gospel Coalition
2.5
Its un thunderous lack of impact keeps this Ben Hur from making a mark. Portland Mercury
3.0
Ben Hur looks less like a true movie spectacle, and more like the lackluster Christian produced message movies released over the past decade. Like the .. Crumon Showbiz Blog Spot
2.5
If ever someone deserved a crack at a high speed chariot race, its him. Times Of Israel
0.5
Two stunning scenes and two boring actors without charisma. They neutered their characters. Messala ruined the Ben Hur family simply out of necessity ..
1.0
The changes in the script dont bring anything new to the table, besides of insisting on religion and politics. El Mundo (Spain)
2.5
While it isnt a total disaster, the new Ben Hur is unnecessary; the original still works as well as it did more than 50 years ago. This is nothing mor ..
3.0
Of course, the centerpiece is the exciting Circus Maximus chariot race. Susan Granger
4.0
(It) shares a message needed deeply ... With solid action sequences and a great performance from Jack Huston, the films issues should be forgiven, in ..
2.5
The action of that horse race is just as thrilling and exquisitely choreographed as any present day movie car chase.



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