As Mel Gibson's movie continues to top the box office I recommend
you see "Judas" before "The Passion of the Christ" because it covers
more of Jesus' life before His death. Where the "Passion"
jumps right into the arrest of Jesus, "Judas" shows more of Jesus' life
before his arrest and the relationships with His disciples.
What I liked most about "Judas" is its ability to
portray a timeless story through a different viewpoint--one that is
provocative and edgy. The connection with Judas and Jesus is
displayed with compassion (before Judas betrayed Jesus, of course); there is a scene where they sort of
wrestle/play-fight with each other, and I thought it adds a deeper
perspective to both characters. You will be surprised how much
care is taken in the characterization and production value of this
movie.
Even though the scenes leading up to the
crucifixion, and the crucifixion itself, aren't as gruesome as
Gibson's movie, they were just as emotional
and considered to be "tear-jerkers."
In conclusion, I hope that you can spread the word
about this moving ABC premiere to your family, friends, co-workers,
neighbors, etc. I believe that if the ratings are high enough
for "Judas," I hope it would send a message to TV execs that there
is an audience for such subject matters and that other
stories like "Judas" can be produced and aired.
By the way, it took two years for "Judas"
to finally make it to the airwaves on ABC. What better time
than now to broadcast such an interesting story. I hope you join me
in watching "Judas" on ABC7, Monday March 8th at 9-11pm
ET/PT (8pm CT).
Starring in "Judas" are Johnathon
Schaech ("That Thing You Do," "How to Make an American Quilt") as
Judas, Jonathan Scarfe ("ER") as Jesus, Tim Matheson ("West Wing,"
"Wolf Lake") as Pontius Pilate. Written by Tom
Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Oz"). Directed by
Charles Robert Carner ("Red Water"), Co-Executive Producers Tom
Fontana and Frank Desiderio, C.S.P. Help us spread the word to
your family & friends!
LA
MIRADA--On February 18, I had the special opportunity to visit
Biola University as they held an exclusive sneak preview of the
Paulist Productions TV-movie, "Judas" (TV-14) to be aired Monday,
March 8th, on the ABC Television Network.