Matthew 26:17 (2005) User Reviews

Hard to stop watching

[thomas_kata · 9/10 · 17 February 2005]

I watched the rough footage of this film and found it difficult to stop watching. Excellent performances and the camera work is awesome. The multi-ethnic vibe gives it more of a universal appeal. The blending of all the gospels re-tellings of this moment was a well crafted touch. This picture left me questioning a few relationships and other stories I had heard. The subtle allusions to a "bond" with Mary raised an eyebrow. There really is no way to compare this film to other versions. Shannon Rawls has definitely produced a worthy film. I look forward to a release date so I can tell my friends. I expect this movie to win some indie awards.

The Preview was outstanding!

[filmsofzion · 10/10 · 15 September 2004]

Having had the pleasure to be invited to a special viewing of the raw footage and selected scenes from the movie; I must say that Beout! and Brace Yourself! have put together a very compelling film which begs to be witnessed by those who have any interest in Christ, The Last Supper, the Apostles and what was spoken at the Last Supper.

I found the way the author (Tony Bracy) hinted at an 'unexplored' relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ as tantalizing. They only speak a few words to each other but what Mary Magdalene says in the beginning of the movie sets up a provocative subtext of the few words they do speak towards each other.

For a short film I learned more about the personalities of the other apostles than I have in any other film. They actually talk; have feelings, uncertainties, reservations and trepidations about Jesus Christ and their mission as it is being revealed during the Last Supper.

Tom Trudeau as Judas Iscariot was outstanding! I truly loved to hate him.

La Trice Harper as Mary Magdalene and Brian Groh as Jesus were very believable. I love the international flavor of the casting, which made it all the more enjoyable to watch. The script was impeccability accurate ~ historically and biblically correct; it flowed from person to person; situation to circumstance to resolution flawlessly and moved fluidly without a seam.

I find it hard to believe that this is Shannon Rawl's Debut as a Narrative director! Welcome to Hollywood Shannon ~ this film as Academy Award written all over it!

I would highly recommend this film as a learning tool for anyone who has a modicum of interest in the Holy Eucharist. I rate it a 10+++++

The screening was hot.

[TheRenegadeTaoist · 10/10 · 3 May 2005]

I was in attendance to the screening of this film. It was in Beverly Hills, CA at the Continental, a supper club, I believe is owned by Ben Affleck & Matt Damon. The place was pretty tight, standing room by 9pm on a Wednesday. We watched the screening projected on a reasonably large screen behind the bar as well as being played through a smaller plasma unit in the wall. Sound quality was reasonable for the environment. The film was great looking for a micro budget and a couple of days of shooting. The editing was solid and the story was tight. The score was ominous in that it was always present but not too pushy in how the viewer should feel. The acting was outstanding in places and adequate in others. The misstep taken oftentimes by performers in these types of projects is that they add current day values and views to the events, instead of being in the "now" as it should be at that specific moment in time. What is the market for this project? Most likely cable and history/religious arenas. It seemed as true to life as the bible itself depicts. I overheard a viewer say that the moments shown in this project are the missing portions of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion'. I'm in agreement. I would love to see a 22 minute version edited for television soon.