I am NOT a critic. I'm merely an observer. (Books, movies, plays, musicals etc.)

Google images I believe the producers when they say that this is a re-imagining of the story and not a remake.  Their take is different and they were even able to improve many aspects of the story. The first parts of the movie was a bit dragging, but as the movie progressed, most especially when Judah Ben-Hur was arrested for sedition because of something Dismas the Zealot did, we felt every lash and other excruciating pains.  We also felt Messala's struggle and the music added to whatever emotion we were feeling that time. Who cares if this is a Lightworkers Media production?  It's beautifully made and I must say, it's even better than the original, except for the fact that Charlton Heston was a big star and had a great impact to society whereas Jack Huston, except for being showbiz royalty, is practically a nobody compared to the stellar power of Charton Heston. Even if I have seen Jack Huston act in other movies, I think this is his bi...