The story of Jesus has been told for many generations, but now we have a different view of these historic times with the book of Clarence that gives us another perspective on what might have happened. In a time that our history is based on what we know from the bible, what other information from the past could unfold to enlighten us all?
During these times things were hard for everyone, especially for Clarence (Laketh Stanfield) who was looking for a way to be noticed for something good. He tries so hard that he always finds a way to make things worse for himself. After losing a race to Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor), he finds himself along with his best-friend Elijah (RJ Cyler), in a lot of debt and owes money to a loan shark by the name of Jedediah the Terrible (Eric Kofi-Abrefa). Needing to come up with lots of money he and Elijah came up with many schemes and one of them they were challenged to free a group of gladiator slaves, using trickery they freed a very strong man named Barabbas (Omar Sy). Finding their situation becoming more bleak they were forced to search for another option.
Now down to his last possible chance to solve his new found problem, Clarence decides he wants to be the thirteen apostle and attempts to join Jesus Christ’s (Nicholas Pinnock) followers. Since his twin brother Thomas (LaKeith Stanfield) is one of the twelve apostles he tries to convince him to help him join, but Thomas knows that his brother is not what Jesus seeks. When rejected by Judas Iscariot (Micheal Ward), Clarence decides to go on his own with Elijah, Barabbas, and Zeke (Caleb McLaughlin) to preach his word of God to the masses. Now on the run from not only Jedediah the Terrible, he must face the wrath of Pontius Pilate (James McAvoy) and somehow be forgiven by Jesus himself.
Director and writer Jeymes Samuel succeeds to put together some funny scenes, which includes a good plot line that does manage to entertain. Using the theme that there are others out there that had the same idea as Jesus was already played out in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian. But bringing us another look at this tale through the eyes of a different race brought a new light on the subject. Jeymes did an excellent job with the costumes, sets, stunts, and special effects throughout the film. All in all an amusing narrative that has some humorous comments with lots of biblical drama based on an additional story during the time of Christ.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the fun and enjoyable storyline.
Stars 3 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Teyana Taylor, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Laketh Stanfield, RJ Cyler, and David Oyelowo.
Directed and written by: Jeymes Samuel
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, and History
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for strong violence, drug use, strong language, some suggestive material, and smoking.
Running Time: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes.
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing.
Release In: Standard, and Dolby Digital