Here’s today’s dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

Risen opens nationwide in theaters tomorrow (2/19).

Synopsis (from the film’s website): Risen is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), a powerful Roman military tribune, and his aide, Lucius (Tom Felton), are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem. Directed by Kevin Reynolds. Screenplay by Kevin Reynolds and Paul Aiello.

Review: Joseph Fiennes (who played another sort of Jesus pursuer in the excellent 2003 biopic Luther) does an effective job portraying Clavius, a Roman-era Lt. Gerard (of Fugitive fame) in hot pursuit of a man who has already been executed. Of course, his prey is actually in pursuit of him (and all of us) and also happens to be the Son of God.  All in all, the film offers a truly original perspective on the days following the Crucifixion, strong writing and production values and excellent performances, particularly by Fiennes, Felton, Peter Firth (as Pontius Pilate), Maria Botto (as Mary Magdalene), Stewart Scudamore (as Peter) and Cliff Curtis (as Jesus).

For those wondering when current-day Hollywood would seriously produce a quality faith-based biblical movie with genuine mainstream appeal, I think that significant moment in time has arrived. Although it’s not nearly as significant as the one depicted in the film. Risen is Highly Recommended.

John W. Kennedy is a writer/development consultant specializing in teleplays, screenplays and novelizations. He can be reached at john@jwkmedia.com.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11