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One of the most told stories of the Bible comes to animated life again in the newest version of The Ten Commandments. This big screen version has an
impressive list of voices even though the production is not Pixar style quality. That said it is definitely a cut above the Holiday programs that show up on network television each year. The color is sharp and the characters detailed in their look and actions. The story too, though one most have heard many times, is written in an easy to follow yet interesting script. 

The film begins with a short back-story on baby Moses and quickly leaps to the older man who God instructs to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. The
story holds no punches in its dealing with scripture. Though it doesn't tiptoe around the actions of God and his dealing with Pharaoh the story never feels preachy or heavy handed. The story of Moses is compelling and this one, though animated, is just as intriguing. It is also nicely mixed with humor without being campy. The characters give Moses a hard time in a contemporary dialogue.  

Water is always a tricky animation to pull off and when you have that element as a main character as in the crossing of the red sea it has to be spot on. This version makes this pivotal scene come to life and adds subtle elements that make it unique and entertaining. As with the rest of the movie it allows the characters to be the main focus and doesn't muddy up the works with lots of extras. It may seem thin at first but you soon catch the art of this process. 

The voices include familiar names like Ben Kingsley (Narrator), Christian Slater (Moses), Alfred Molina (Ramses), and Elliott Gould (God). I for one
wanted to see it just for the thought of Gould voicing God. From playing Trapper John to Monica Geller's dad to God. What a journey. The Ten Commandments is rated PG for some mild peril. As with the original bible version it deals with the slaying of young children and the death of the
Egyptians. I found this version on par with anything that the high dollar studios have released and though DreamWorks and Pixar rule this genre
Promenade Pictures have parted the Hollywood waters and crossed over with a well done flick. I give it 3 out of 5 staffs.  Definitely one for the whole
family to enjoy.

Matt Mungle (10/19/07)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy.
For additional reviews, interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com"

Review copyright 2007 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission. Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.