Just in time for the holidays, a spectacular movie of Biblical proportions. I’d forgotten how entertaining it is to hunker down and watch a cast of thousands on incredibly lavish sets. I don’t care if most of it is CGI, Ridley Scott has given us a historical epic on a grand scale that we haven’t seen in years — unless it’s in outer space. Faith, miracles, blood and sandals and Christian Bale as Moses. It may not be a perfect movie, but there’s an awful lot to love about Exodus: Gods and Kings.

Naturally, filmmakers had to take artistic license with the story of how Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt, so it’s ridiculous to debate scriptural accuracy or expect a Sunday school lesson. While some of the more memorable details of the Biblical account are left out, it’s fascinating to see which were used. I found the depiction of the plagues and their origins to be very clever, and the portrayal of God to be completely original and intriguing. When showing divinity on the big screen, it’s impossible to please everyone or almost anyone, but this depiction takes viewers aback, and can inspire lively and fascinating debate about why this choice was made.

It’s obvious that Ridley Scott poured his heart, and $140 million, into directing Exodus: Gods and Kings. The massive production value of scenes in the Pharaoh’s Palace, the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt, the building of the pyramids, the flight from Israel, and yes, the parting of the Red Sea (to which is given a tidal explanation), are jaw-dropping in a way that has to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated. And the casting is fascinating: John Tuturro as Pharaoh Seti, Joel Edgerton as Ramses, his son, Susan Sarandon as Tuya, of the Egyptian royal family, Ben Kingsley as Israeli elder Nun, and Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul (didn’t use the B-word once) as Joshua, Moses’ right hand man, are interesting and effective choices. Alberto Iglasias contributed the appropriate big and grand score.

This is the type of movie a you can take the whole family to see, and have a lively discussion afterwards. Both Jews and Christians will have plenty to talk about. And regardless of whether or not it coincides with your own doctrinal beliefs, you’ll come away feeling that your money was well spent on this latest, greatest Hollywood epic.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours 22 Minutes