The excitement fades as D’Leh and his friends locate Evolet among a civilization of warriors who enslave others and force them to build pyramids. The leaders answer to “the almighty”—a cloaked figure who is worshipped by the pyramid-building thugs. However, the scheming bullies that run the pyramid-building operation are far less interesting than the special-effects creations from Emmerich’s team. Their antics play out with diminishing returns, until the big finale.
The film’s mythology is broad enough to include hints of the Christian story, but make no mistake: This is not a prehistoric Christian parable. Its scenes of prophecy and spiritual torment may provoke unease among Christian viewers who are uncomfortable with scenes of mysticism. It does, however, expose the folly of idol worship among the villains, and its protagonist is a small-scale savior of his people. Still, the film doesn’t have much to say on a spiritual level. It’s much more interested in the saber-tooth tigers and other ferocious beasts that imperil the heroes.
10,000 B.C. works as sheer spectacle, but its story is forgettable. Its unknown actors make an impression because of their striking looks, but it’s hard to fathom what their future roles might be based on this special-effects driven extravaganza. Best to leave 10,000 B.C. in the past, and hope for better things in the future from all involved.
Questions? Comments? Contact the writer at crosswalkchristian@earthlink.net.
CAUTIONS:
- Language/Profanity: None.
- Drugs/Alcohol: None.
- Sex/Nudity: None; one scene of kissing.
- Violence: Boys fight; men crushed by stampeding beasts; a woman is whipped; lots of spearing of animals and people; human skulls and bones are pictured, as are animal carcasses; a slave uprising.
- Religion: Multiple prophecies from people who can see into the future and tap into what other people are feeling and experiencing; warriors worship a man they call the “almighty.”