Passion Play

Historically speaking, passion plays recount the Easter story of Jesus Christ’s sufferings leading up to his crucifixion: the trial, his suffering and ultimately his death. They’re a means of remembering this central component of the Christian faith, a way to participate in his sacrifice for humanity. With all that said, I’m really not sure how that traditional approach to the concept of the passion play connects with this film, aside from the fact that you might feel like you’re suffering as you watch it.

All joking aside, this movie seems to dabble with some interesting ideas, but never quite finds it footing or its tone. Mickey Rourke plays a down-on-his luck jazz trumpeter who owes money to a crime boss, naturally played by Bill Murray. Yeah, I did a double take too. Cue an execution scenario gone awry in the desert and Rourke’s character somehow escapes with life and limb intact. He stumbles across a circus, complete with freak show attractions. One of these attractions just happens to be Megan Fox’s character, who’s either an angel or simply an abnormality with wings.

At any rate, the story meanders from scene to scene with no real sense of purpose or direction, much like Fox’s acting ability.

QUALITY:
Decent quality, but nothing to write home about. Due to the sharpness of the Blu-Ray presentation, some of the cheaper special effects stand out way more than they should.

BONUS FEATURES:
Go figure, no special features.

You should really only consider watching this if you are an absolute Bill Murray or Mickey Rourke completist. And even if you are, remember, you have Megan Fox’s empty acting to contend with in order to get through this movie. Proceed with caution.