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The Book Of Clarence Movie Review

Name: The Book Of Clarence Movie Review
Item: The Book Of Clarence
Rating: 2.5
Author: Pradip Bhat

The Book Of Clarence Movie Review English Movie Review

Written by

Review for the film " The Book Of Clarence"

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video , Netflix

Runtime: 02 Hour 09 Minutes

Certificate: UA

Released: 12-01-2024

Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Drama

Similar To: Música, The Casagrandes, Write When You Get Work, Zombieland 2

Critic Review
User Review

2.5 / 5.0

3.29 / 5.0

CAST & CREW

Benedict Cumberbatch

David Oyelowo

James McAvoy

Lakeith Stanfield

Alfre Woodard

James Lassiter

MORE CAST & CREW

Producer:

James Lassiter

Jeymes Samuel

Music Director:

Jeymes Samuel

Editor:

Tom Eagles

Director:

Jeymes Samuel

Supporting Actress:

Alfre Woodard

Costume Designer:

Antoinette Messam

Art Director:

Roberto Caruso

Director of Photography:

Rob Hardy

Executive Producer:

Garrett Grant

Visual Effects Producer:

Tim Keene

Casting Director:

Dixie Chassay

Sound Effects Editor:

Steve Jackson

Screenplay Writer:

Jeymes Samuel

Sound Mixer:

Barry O Sullivan

Supporting Actor:

James McAvoy

Benedict Cumberbatch

David Oyelowo

Lakeith Stanfield

empty:

Babs Olusanmokun

Anna Diop

Tom Glynn-Carney

Teyana Taylor

Omar Sy

Click Here For Full Cast & Crew

The Book of Clarence is a biblical dramedy written, produced, and directed by Jeymes Samuel. Jay Z Jay-Z (originally Shawn Corey Carter) is a music a >> Read More... , James Lassiter James Lassiter is an American film producer known >> Read More... , and Tendo Nagenda are the co-producers of this film. This film has been distributed by TriStar Pictures. Rob Hardy is the cinematographer, while Tom Eagles is the editor of this film. This film stars LaKeith Stanfield and RJ Cyler in the lead. The supporting cast of this film includes Omar Sy, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo David Oyelowo is a classically trained stage actor >> Read More... , James McAvoy James Mcavoy was born on 21 April 1979, in Glasgow >> Read More... , Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch was born in L >> Read More... , Alfre Woodard Alfre Ette Woodard was born on 8 November 1952. Sh >> Read More... , Nicholas Pinnock, etc. The film got a theatrical release on 12 January 2024.

Plot

Clarence and Elijah are two Hebrew guys who are in dire need of money. They lose a chariot race, and are on the run, thanks to the massive debt they have piled on. In search of an instant solution, Clarence follows the path he once mocked: that of a local savior, Jesus.

Star Performances

This movie has at least focused on creating the right setting for the plot. Full marks to both the production design and the cinematography department on that.

The actors also did a great job with the roles offered. However, LaKeith Stanfield stands out for his performance as the agnostic turned believer Clarence, who understands the true purpose of his life only after he takes the unique step of turning into a messiah.

Analysis

Not every day do you see a biblical comedy up for release. To be honest, not many are accustomed to religious scriptures being translated into a full-fledged dramedy. However, ‘The Book of Clarence’ has at least done one thing right: the film has captured the essence of biblical sermons without making a mockery of them.

The film oscillates between comedy and drama, and not once do you feel like you have had enough. The makers managed to keep the initial half engaging and some of the comic punches landed as well. The ambiance and the set designs are such that the viewers would almost believe it to be ancient Jerusalem.

The acting is also great. Be it veterans like James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch, or Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, etc., each person has given their best to the role. LaKeith Stanfield as Clarence has stood out for his unconventional portrayal of the character.
However, it is when the film takes a serious turn that the situation turns a little uncomfortable. Not because there are graphic scenes on display, or the tone of the narrative has turned darker, but because there are sequences that have almost zero connection with the entire screenplay. The ending is so bizarre, that the viewers would be left scratching their hands. The film starts as a comical tribute to the likes of “The Ten Commandments” and “ Ben Hur Click to look into! >> Read More... ”, but ends up becoming a poor guy’s version of “The Life of Brian”!

What's There?

A promising first half
Good efforts from the acting crew
Brilliant production designs and camerawork

What's Not There?

Not so impressive second half
Bizarre ending
Some comic punches that have no connection with the narrative

Verdict

‘The Book of Clarence’ is an attempt to make a biblical comedy with a modern twist. The sets are great and the acting is also brilliant. If only the screenplay was equally crisp and to the point. Still, the movie is good for a one-time watch.

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