Finally, a film about Jesus that isn't sterile, watered-down or soft as a MyPillow. Or perhaps, a film that isn't made by a mainstream Hollywood director looking for an excuse to show off special effects using the epic tales found in the Bible, but dismissing the message of the story.

Yes. I liked "Risen" a lot. Maybe a bit more than I should have, but if so, it was just so refreshing to see the material covered with what I thought was great respect. If I watched it a second time, might I be more critical? Probably. I'd likely start to pick apart the film itself or look for story inaccuracies or inconsistencies. But for now, I thought this was great.

The only criticism I really have is that I thought the disciples were a little too "hippie" or something. I guess my personal image of them over the years has been of stern, serious men.

I haven't seen many 2016 releases so any "Favorite Movie of 2016" list that I assemble might be chosen to be dismissed out of hand, but I'm very pleased that what I'll categorize as a Christian film might just be my favorite movie of the year.