Gods of Egypt is the latest film of Australian director Alex Proyas, whose previously works include Dark City, I Robot and Knowing.
Bek (Brenton Thwaites), a non-believer who would do anything for Zaya (Courtney Eaton), puts his trust and work together with the god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in order to save his love from the afterlife and the world from chaos brought about the god of darkness Set (Gerard Butler).
The film is off to a slow start with a narration establishing its unique mythology. In this version of ancient Egypt, gods and goddesses live among the mortals. They tower over humans and transform into an ‘ultimate’ or beast form at will.
From hereon it feels like you’re watching a video game instead of an actual movie.
Seriously, Bek in action has Temple Run feels all over. It could leave one bewildered to see the sun god Ra (Geoffrey Rush) living on a spaceship and fending off a giant space worm.
Viewers might feel a disconnect with the characters, as you only get to know most of them on the surface. For example, despite being the protagonist, the film could have showed more of Set’s powers as the god of darkness. Instead, he focuses on getting the powers of other gods and using Ra’s staff to wreck havoc. Or a little more about the goddess of love’s other role as the Mistress of the West.
The banter amongst characters, such as those of Horus and Bek, or moments with the God of Wisdom somehow provides viewers a break from all the running and fighting.
Overall story wise it is also interesting to note how the God of Egypt handles the subject of afterlife. Here, one’s journey is determined by what you bring to the gates. Anything less than gold will set you for hell. When Horus was finally crowned king, it becomes the concept most people are familiar with: “how we act in this life matters.”
Fellow Christians, remember that there is nothing we can contribute to our salvation – just trust in the Truth.
The film comes to an end and the audience goes to an applause. There were a lot of hits and misses but it did one thing right – to entertain.
Gods of Egypt is on cinemas now.
Yours truly was able to watch during the advanced screening held at Robinsons Galleria and would like to thank Energy FM 106.7, Robinsons Movie World, Pioneer and McCormick.
