The Final Inquiry
Fox Home Entertainment
Grade – C+

The DVD release of “The Final Inquiry” is set for mid February and it has already earned an endorsement from the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval (http://www.dove.org.) The premise of the story is that a great Roman general, Titos Valerius Tauros, is called upon to dispel rumors that a “prophet” was crucified and resurrected. Through his investigation, the general meets and falls in love with an Israeli woman and he comes to side with the followers of Jesus.

The movie starts out by building up the general through some rather lack luster battle scenes that were not necessary. With the quality and magnitude of recent battle scenes it would have been better to not even try this route without the resources or capabilities that big studio pictures have. At times the dialog is also lacking and especially when general Titos’ number one man speaks. The general’s personal bodyguard is a skilled warrior and I would have to think that his dialog would not have been so weak.

You also have to keep in mind that the story is presumed as with other Bible classics like “Barabbas.” In this particular video, Barabbas makes an appearance, portrayed as a cold-hearted killer who has not given any thought to who saved him from his personal death sentence. Secondly, the relationship between the general and the Israeli woman moves very fast and for a family film it includes a gratuitous and impassioned kissing scene that may not have been necessary. A passionate kiss is not necessarily a key ingredient in a Christ-centered relationship and if she were a follower of Jesus she may not have been so quick to fall for a new believer, especially a Roman general.

Aside from the dramatics and at times weak dialog, I did find the investigation story interesting. It sparks the imagination and it depicts the Roman reaction to the crucifixion and subsequent resurection in a practical sense.

- Ken W.