When talking about movies like Noah or the Passion of the Christ, one migth evaluate the motion picture by how it fits in the original scripture. That is NOT how I will be reviewing this movie, I’ll be looking for Aronofsky-signatures, spirituality and how it moves forward as a story. Obviously, some SPOILERS may come forth in this post. I feel like I need to clarify that I do believe in a God, but I don’t swear by one sole book of scripture – and it will not impact the review at all. Also, I am not a vegetarian or vegan – and why am I saying that? Well, you’ll know soon.

I really like the cast of this movie, and how can you not? With actors and actresses known for their amazing performances appearing in the movie. Russell Crowe is really great in this role, and had he not been the somewhat superhero-like Noah – I don’t think it would’ve worked. As he goes from trusted father, to trusted servant of the Creator and all the way to Castaway-Tom Hanks. And there is something you need to know when watching this film – there’s a reason why it’s not called the Arc. This story is about Noah first, and the Arc second.

You will quickly recognize the motion picture signature of Darren Aronofsky in this film, as the fast cutting of images from all over the bible often appear – like how he showed the rush of addiction in Requiem for a Dream. Does it work in this film, however? I wouldn’t say so, but it does make me feel better about the film. So, apparently Aronofsky’s a vegan – and… I fear that may’ve impacted the screenplay too much – as I feel condemned almost at the very beginning of the movie. Early on in the movie we have adult Noah facing off with other men, who’ve just killed an animal to eat it. As Noah explains how they do it because they think it makes them strong, he quickly notes that that is not the case – only the Creator makes us strong. I don’t like how that was entered into the movie, and I did feel weird when watching that.

Now, I like the different approach to the movie – but I strongly disliked how the fallen angels looked like ents from Lord of the Rings. It felt somewhat silly, I must say. There are a couple of questionable decisions in the plot, all made by Noah himself. All involving the question of prolonging the human experience on Earth. This different take on Noah is really interesting, but as it moves forward it feels more like the story of Job. In a way this movie tries to be too big, trying to tell the tale of the entire first testament of the Bible. Also, trying to make it feel like a movie from the Tolkien universe – a different approach, indeed.

There’s also the question about symbolic interpretation and spirituality. In this case I fear I am not the one to judge, but my mother, who I consider to be very spiritual, even cried at the end of the movie – saying its message and symbolism was beautiful. I don’t feel as strongly about its symbolism, but I trust that my mother knows her messages in cinema. In the end, I enjoyed it somewhat, even if I felt it was severely flawed.

Overall: 6 out of 10.0. A movie that tries to be too much at once, but has a message that can shine through you if you are open to it.

 

– I’m Jeffrey Rex.