Given the epic stories contained within, The Bible provides pretty good source material for Hollywood epics. Every couple of decades, as special effects and camera quality improve, a new slew of biblical films appear.

Exodus is the newest offering and, for the first time since Scorsese’s story of Jesus, there’s a big name director at the helm: Ridley Scott.

Known for Alien and Gladiator, Ridley Scott is famous for no-holds-barred storytelling and plots that are riddled (pun definitely intended) with big-name actors and even bigger sets.

In Exodus: Gods and Kings, Scott takes us back to the Old Testament; to a time when God was vengeful and feared, his wrath knew no limits, and no punishment was too cruel. Leading man Christian Bale plays Moses, who explores his origins as a Prince of Egypt alongside his adopted brother, Rhamses (Joel Edgerton). The story tells the tale of Moses through freeing the Hebrew slaves and leading them to Caanan – with the assistance of some helpful plagues delivered by God himself.

The most startling thought that will cross your mind concerns the casting. John Turturro? Aaron Paul? Ben Mendelsohn? The old favourite of Ridley Scott… Sigourney Weaver? Flabbergasted is the first word that pops to mind; all of these actors seem miscast. The second thought will be flashbacks to 2013’s 47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves. It was a film with a lot of potential but, ultimately, was awful in almost every way.

Exodus has those vibes.

The film’s redeeming qualities include the stunning visual effects, the attention to detail in props and costume design, and a powerful soundtrack. The film is eye-catching but does little to keep your attention. The script is weak and the edit feels rushed; the pacing of the whole film felt off, making it difficult to relax into the narrative.

While working with the source material is tough, Exodus is entertaining enough. Interestingly, it includes reworkings to almost scientifically explain the plagues demonstrate how they might have happened if the story was true. These were great – probably the best part of the movie.

Disappointingly, the most well-known part of the Exodus story occurs in what seems like a montage (after a looooong setup), and is followed by the final climax. While the ‘parting of the water’ scene is properly epic, it’s the only thing left to redeem the hours you’ve spent in the chair up to that point.

Exodus: Gods and Kings is now showing at Palace Electric and cinemas across Canberra.