The Book of Clarence (2023) User Reviews

This movie has a lot going on.

[RegalsReelView · 7/10 · 19 January 2024]

Clarence, a non-believer in the messiah Jesus and a debtor, is willing to do anything for the woman he loves and his mother. With the deadline for his debt fast approaching, Clarence decides to do something drastic. Clarence declares himself a messiah and travels around Jerusalem, spreading his word of knowledge and performing "miracles." The possible conflict with the Romans and God comes with the success of being a messiah.

This film is part satire, part Biblical re-enactment, and part alternate history. The satire comes from applying modern ideas, concepts, and solutions in ancient times. The Biblical re-enactment comes from many of the people from the Bible are characters in this movie and are portrayed the same way. The alternate history take is how Jesus is shown compared to other Biblical films. The movie has comedy, morality, drama, spirituality, and aspects of Christianity. The movie is broken up into parts and is a good length. This is a decent watch for anyone willing to approach history, religion, and spirituality with an open mind.

Thumbs Up 👍🏻

[Brillfury · 7/10 · 20 January 2024]

I knew I wanted to see this from the trailer. Overall, it is the story of a man who doesn't believe in god and leads a life of crime and finds god in the end. And it happens to be set in Jerusalem right along side the story of Jesus.

So that's the overview. This movie has many funny parts and funny lines but it's not nearly 100% comedy as the trailers make it seem. It's a drama with funny parts.

There are some good action sequences and effects. The acting is incredible!! The music is also really great and I enjoyed the choreographed dance scene.

The camera work is very creative in many parts, including the opening chariot race and the last supper.

The pace does slow down a little every time Clarence's girlfriend shows up, but that's ok.

Go see this if you like a creative film with a lot of metaphors and allegories.

It lost me in the 3rd act

[Royce-murphy1 · 6/10 · 11 October 2023]

Imagine The Life of Brian ending with dire seriousness, rather than a joyously silly ending with the crucified singing from their crosses. This film evolved from something I enjoyed to something I would avoid.

There were new ideas explored in the first two acts, and there were genuine laughs. For example, there was a slapstick scene with John the Baptist I found particularly funny.

The colours were saturated, and the Italian town standing in for Jerusalem was impressive. The musical score was developed by the writer/director, and it added humour at times. I didn't expect to see choreographed disco dancing in first century Jerusalem.

However, in the third act, the film changes course and tone. The film turns earnest, and there is a miraculously "happy" ending. It was such a disappointment. The writer/director comes across as a true believer recruiting for the faith. If it had held its tone and retained its healthy scepticism, I would have rated it.

Unfortunately, the third act turns deadly serious, and is more The Passion of the Christ than The Life of Brian. It was jarring and out of step with the rest of the film.

life of LaKeith!

[dylanak-18026 · 6/10 · 11 October 2023]

This movie was an interesting take on making a camp, religious mix. Lakeith was incredible (obviously), especially toward the end as the film grew more emotional. Omar Sy was also a phenom as a stoic side character.

Many jokes landed, but the script did not. Many of the female characters were quite one dimensional (although that may be due to the time period of it). Some of the allegories the film attempted to make were forced. The slapstick comedy with religion was pretty clever, but it didn't make up for a lot of the unexplained hijinks throughout the film. Although, it did make some great, hilarious use of both McAvoy and Cumberbatch in some minor yet great roles. Jeymes Samuel certainly has unique visions and a place in the future of filmmaking, but for me, this one fell a little short.

A painful bible sermon with a great Black cast

[fcfred17 · 3/10 · 16 January 2024]

The actors all played their roles well but the story was much different than what the trailer implied.

My partner and I both thought this would be a action romp that poked a bit of fun at the story of Jesus. Maybe even that it would be a bit politically and religiously subversive. It managed a few funny moments, but in the end it was just a story of a man finding faith and being violently punished for it.

The director said in an interview that movies like The Ten Commandments were his inspiration for this movie. I don't think that's apparent from the trailer but it's very obvious after watching the movie. It provides Black representation for that genre and feints towards being something more but, in the end, don't watch this unless you're looking for an awkwardly written Bible story.

A very strange mixture of comedy and drama

[richard-1787 · 6/10 · 12 January 2024]

This movie is not at all what I imagined from the trailer , which suggests a satire of the Bible's story of Jesus' last days. There is some of that here , but not much, and it's very uneven in quality. I was impressed by the parody of da Vinci's depiction of the Last Summer but left cold by much of the rest. The cleansing of Jesus, where a dirty beggar is transformed into the very white and scrawny Christ we know from endless depictions was interesting but needed development.

Then we get to Good Friday and an altered presentation of the Crucifixion on the Mount. Things very quickly become serious and remain so until the end of the movie. Clarence's crucifixion is presented in realistic detail, as is his suffering He has a discussion with the white Jesus on another cross, and it's very serious.

And then he dies

And is brought back to life on Sunday, but not by the pale white Jesus

Don't look for laughs in any of that.

I'll have to watch this a second time to see what I think it is trying to say.

Wow, LaKeith kills it

[FeastMode · 4/10 · 7 February 2024]

Before I go negative, I have to give major props to LaKeith Stanfield. His performances are always convincing. And this is no exception. He kills it. I said wow multiple times. I think he's reached star status. The rest of the cast does a good job as well.

As for the movie overall, it's not actively bad in any way. A lot of it just feels off. The story is a bit clunky. Some of the jokes land while others don't. I'm not really attached to any characters other than the lead.

I just wasn't into it. I wasn't engaged and I had difficulty getting through it. Maybe it's just not for me.

I look forward to LaKeith's next project.

(1 viewing, 2/6/2024)

Finding God!

[geronfletcher · 9/10 · 18 January 2024]

I literally just made an IMDb account just now so I could leave a positive review of this film. It definitely deserves it. A fun ride of a non believer who slowly learns lessons through God he didn't know he needed. The music is also so nice. The ending was pretty perfect to me. Don't want to spoil things! Lakeithe Stanfield 100% deserves Oscar buzz for his performance. He made me laugh, think deeply and cry within this movie. There aren't many movies I can say that about. I saw it a week ago and I still am thinking of his character arc. To anyone that's said it's blasphemous and hasn't watched the movie, I assure you, this movie is great, it's not making fun or Jesus in any way. You watch and you will understand!

Really good even if it struggles at balance

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 20 April 2024]

The Book of Clarence struggles to balance its religious satire/stoner comedy aspirations against its sincere retelling of the bible. Even if it doesn't entirely coalesce it's still a lot of fun whilst using its deliberate casting choices to draw parallels from the Roman empire to 21st Century America and has an investing story of a nobody trying to become a somebody.

LaKeith Stanfield is an endlessly watchable screen presence and the fact that there's two of him here only makes it better as he has some great arguments and emotional beats with himself. Omar Sy is so damn likeable here with both the coolest moment and one of the best jokes. James McAvoy comes into the film late and uses every minute to make sure his villainy still leaves an impression.

Jeymes Samuel's direction has plenty of style and uses Tom Eagles' snappy editing to great effect. It starts with a chariot race that emphasises the crashes with a first person perspective and then continues to look gorgeous as it goes along. Just as he did with The Harder They Fall, Samuel's score takes the classic sound of the genre and modernises it beautifully.

Actually pretty terrible

[wesleybutler-29990 · 3/10 · 21 January 2024]

Title says it all. This movie is truly so confusing it's hard to even write a solid review. There were bits of cringe one liners that got a chuckle out of you and some truly confusing scenes that once again all you can do is laugh at the absurdity? The story is all over the place. Is he Jesus, is he not Jesus? Is Jesus a part of this story? Is he not? Is this whole thing satire? Is this a drama? Or a comedy? It has no true path and is totally thrown together.

Once the movie concluded all I said to my partner was "well that was indeed a movie" and if that's all you can say about a movie then I think there are several points of improvement. If I were you I would save my money seeing this in theaters and just wait for it to come out on streaming.

A Beautiful Piece of Art.

[jahmelaw-36726 · 10/10 · 20 April 2024]

This is my second time watching this film and as the first it did not disappoint. I think the film is a generator of conversation about consciousness and intersectionality of culture, race, and historical events. I also enjoyed the cinematography that was used. The camera angles and color scheme created beautiful visuals. There were several beautiful scenic views and quotable lines all under the backdrop of a creative engaging soundtrack. I think individuals who allow themselves to expand when it comes to ideologies and remove themselves from narrow narrative boxes of mentality, would walk away from this film a little bit more enlightened.

An uneven alternate Gospel story

[steiner-sam · 6/10 · 15 January 2024]

It's a comedy-drama set in Jerusalem in 33 C. E. It follows a small-time con man who likes weed named Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield). Clarence's twin brother, Thomas (also Stanfield), is one of the twelve disciples (Nicholas Pinnock), but Clarence is an atheist. The other disciples we meet are Peter (Jacobi Howard) and Judas Iscariot (Michael Ward).

The film is in three parts like a Biblical epic. Initially, Clarence is trying to pay off a debt to Jedediah the Terrible (Eric Kofi-Abrefa); Clarence is also in love with Jedediah's sister, Varinia (Anna Diop). However, Clarence and his best friend, Elijah (R. J. Cyler) lose a chariot race to Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor), and Jedediah threatens Clarence with death if he can't pay within 30 days.

This is followed by encounters with John the Baptist (David Oyelowo) and the rebel, Barabbas (Omar Sy). Clarence tries to become the 13th disciple and then tries to become another Messiah to raise money for his debt and to give his previously dormant social conscience the ability to free some gladiators. The story takes some unexpected turns for Clarence and his followers. Benedict Cumberbatch is a minor, but sharply incisive satirical role revealed near the end.

In some ways, "The Book of Clarence" is an alternative Gospel story. It's uneven because it's neither comedy or drama, but tries to do both. It would have worked better with more comedy and less drama. LaKeith Stanfield does a good job with a script that could have been tighter. The movie's message is a real one; it just doesn't come off.

Disappointed

[dianemohr · 2/10 · 16 January 2024]

This film is a curiosity as I saw it billed as a comedy and western (?) but the jokes are lacking. The sound was bad and I couldn't follow the dialogue or understand what the cast was saying. There were less than 10 people in the theater but my friend and I were the only ones who laughed about five times. I'm so sorry to give it a bad review as I like to support black films but this one missed the mark. Or maybe it's too sophisticated for me ? I suggest you watch it free on tv eventually as you just won't get much value from watching at a theater. Read the other reviews if you're interested in taking a chance.

The Book of Clarence offers enough worthwhile content to make it a must-see, but it falters at times, preventing it from achieving classic status

[kevin_robbins · 6/10 · 28 January 2024]

My wife and I caught The Book of Clarence (2023) in theaters last night. The storyline follows two weed dealers in Jerusalem during the time of Christ, facing financial hardships and attempting to become apostles or create their own Messiah to solve their problems.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall), the film stars LaKeith Stanfield (Knives Out), RJ Cyler (White Boy Rick), Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave), James McAvoy (Split), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), and Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One).

This movie has a fantastic premise and a captivating start, especially in the first three quarters. The authentic attire and settings, along with stellar performances from the cast, contribute to the film's charm. The comedic elements are brilliant, reminiscent of a biblical Half Baked. Memorable scenes like the "get out" and "virgin" conversations, slap scenes, and baptism provide comedic gold. The inclusion of an '80s/'90s retro dance sequence adds to the enjoyment. Unfortunately, the conclusion takes a deep and serious turn, causing a drastic mood shift that dulls the movie and leaves the ending feeling flat.

In conclusion, The Book of Clarence offers enough worthwhile content to make it a must-see, but it falters at times, preventing it from achieving classic status. I'd give it a score of 6-6.5/10 and recommend it once.

"The Book of Clarence" is a Disappointing and Confusing Film

[akcenat · 2/10 · 7 February 2024]

"The Book of Clarence" is a film that fails to deliver on its promise. Despite a talented cast, the film is a confusing mix of biblical themes and farce that never quite comes together. LaKeith Stanfield delivers a solid performance as the streetwise hustler Clarence, but the script fails to give him much to work with. The film's attempts at political relevance fall flat, and the farcical elements are often more cringe-worthy than funny. The chariot race scene is one of the few highlights, but it's not enough to save the film. Overall, "The Book of Clarence" is a disappointing and confusing film that fails to live up to its potential.

Not Your Typical Religious Movie

[stevendbeard · 7/10 · 15 January 2024]

I saw The Book of Clarence, starring LaKeith Stanfield-Haunted Mansion, Knives Out; Anna Diop-Titans_tv, Us; David Oyelowo-Lawmen: Bass Reeves_tv, Selma and Alfre Woodard-Luke Cage_tv, Annabelle.

This is a religious comedy but it's not like most religious-or comical-movies. The story takes place in Biblical times in Jerusalem when the Messiah Jesus is doing his miracles. LaKeith plays Clarence, a down on his luck weed dealer that does not believe in the hype of Jesus. He is an atheist that believes it's all done with tricks. Anna plays the girl LaKeith likes but she thinks he is basically a nobody. LaKeith decides to tell people that he is a Messiah, too, and uses tricks to perform his miracles, in hopes of changing Anna's opinion of him. David plays John the Baptist and Alfre plays the Virgin Mary. LaKeith also plays his own twin brother, who just happens to be an Apostle to Jesus. There is a lot of humor and some good action sequences-LaKeith fights a gladiator in a surprisingly good fight-and there are a few good cameos. There is also a funny explanation of White Jesus and why most people think of him as being white-he is black in the movie.

It's rated PG-13 for violence, drug use, language and smoking and has a running time of 2 hours & 9 minutes.

If you are interested in a religious comedy that is not your typical religious movie, this would be a good one to stream.

Imagine a boring and not funny version of life of brain.

[buckeyes-05926 · 3/10 · 17 April 2024]

The film could be argued that it deseverse a 4 or 5 based on the asking of its lead of. Lakeith Stanfield as always gives a great performance. But i couldn't help but think of life a brain. Another comedy based on the idea of a messiah opposite of Jesus Christ during the same time. This version though is just straight boring and too often just not funny at all. Stanfield is a performer whom you can't help warming to, although here, as sometimes in the past, I found myself wanting him to bring something extra in the third act, some new level of energy or anger. At the end of the day Lakeith Stanfield performance cant not save a boring comedy that is not nearly has funny as movie coming decades earlier that has the same idea.

Original and Intriguing!

[djrmc24 · 8/10 · 30 March 2024]

The Book Of Clarence might not be for everyone. It does reimagine a few things from the Bible and tells it from another point of view. This however might upset some who think this is being a mockery of religion as it's certainly far from that. In fact after watching this if you think it is saying something bad about religion you weren't really paying attention to the film. LaKeith Stanfield does a great job here playing our lead Clarence. The rest of the supporting cast is also terrific as well. Jeymes Samuel is in the Directing chair and he knows the type of film he is trying to make here. Coming off a strong film with The Harder They Fall, Jeymes does another strong job. My only complaint is I wish a little bit more was going on toward the middle of the film as it does start to drag on just a tad. Also the music selection was hit and miss as well. Overall I feel The Book of Clarence is going to become a cult classic when the dust settles. The Book of Clarence gets a solid 8 stars out of 10 from me.

Good, Not Great

[sushilp17 · 6/10 · 16 April 2024]

I was excited to watch this movie because of its all-star cast. Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, David Oyelowo, and Alfre Woodward! I also thought it would have a thought-provoking subversive message. It didn't, though, at least not one that hasn't been produced more effectively before.

I went in expecting the brevity of Judas and the Black Messiah, but it felt more like a strange parody of Sorry to Bother You. I'm all for surrealist humor, but it was more distracting than novel. I never watched Year One starring Jack Black and Michael Cera, but it felt comparable to it.

It's still a good movie-just more of a Netflix Event than a Theater one.

BEST STANFIELD PERFORMANCE BUT THE FILM WAS DISAPPOINTING

[jeromesgabilo · 5/10 · 12 February 2024]

I felt like there was a lot going on while watching the film. The film started out strong with its Book 1. I loved how established the story is from the beginning. It was even funny to watch the characters so casually in such an ancient and medieval setting. Even the biblical references were coolly represented. But then I felt the story went spiraling down towards the end. It was not a linear kind of plot. It was multi-faceted, and I wish it was not. I would have toned down the film to a more simplistic plot and less runtime. But I must say this was LaKeith Stanfield's best performance to date.

Loved this!!! Yes

[pmorris00 · 10/10 · 13 January 2024]

If, like me, you are quirky enough to consider Monty Python's movie "Life of Brian" and the album "Aquemini" by OutKast to both be all time classic artistic expressions, you will love this film!

I think this film may be a bit too nuanced and "out there" for basic film audiences, but if you're tired of standard film tropes and cliched dialog, this film is definitely worth checking out! Has all the elements needed for a long-lasting hood classic.

Will see this a second time and (frankly) in a more urban setting. Totally different performance coming from LaKeith on this one, but as always, nothing short of spellbinding.

If you love the Bible, go into this movie with an open mind lol

[pclaker · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

This was an interesting take on the New Testament story of Jesus and Clarence. Of course it was inaccurate to the Bible, but we could tell it was going to be based off the trailer. There were a lot of funny moments in this movie that left me and others trying to hold in our laughter, but the way things were going it was hard not to. The beginning and middle of the movie was boring a bit for me which made me tune out because it seemed obvious what was going to happen, but the story took an unexpected turn towards the end of the movie that actually got my attention. The music and soundtrack was very good to me, but honestly it wasn't a bad film, just don't expect anything to be just like the Bible.

The Book of Confusion

[mykl_tour · 4/10 · 10 February 2024]

Concept wise it's intriguing. Execution is a mess. The trailer is brilliant and sets up a film that has strong legs. What is presented needs crutches... and it's incredibly disappointing.

The actor ensemble is outstanding and they surely care the film but though the story is well known, the story of Jesus Christ, but for some reason this interpretation, even using an 'original' lense doesn't land.

What fundamentally is the purpose of this film? The actors are top notch. The location, is iconic (the same used for most Jesus films), the quality of production is high, it's as if every ingredient is perfect but the outcome is downright boring.

It was funny!!

[subxerogravity · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

LaKeith Stanfeild does like to stand out from the crowd. I can't blame him. This was a definite hit for me.

Thought it was hilarious the somewhat comparison of how folks lived over 2,000 years ago to what we do today.

Loved that it was an all-star black cast which included French actor and comedian Omar Sy who I'm also a huge fan of.

Most definitely loved the interesting take on the role of the messiah historically and how that might have altered the image of how we see the one we know best versus how he's described. May have loved this part better if I was more up on my Bible but that's ok.

When it comes down to it, I laughed hard throughout this flick. Well worth it for its entertainment value.

Did Not Finish

[halfxbreed23 · 4/10 · 5 April 2024]

I waited a long time for this film. The premise was intriguing, the casting was excellent, and it had originality in spades. But I ended up shutting it off after the first hour.

I thought I'd get a unique spin on period peices but instead I got a lame trip through colonial Williamsburg. The people, setting, everything felt so modern that it rang hollow. No pun intended but this film that's not about Jesus felt soulless.

And the comedy ranges from subtle tongue-in-cheek jabs to outlandish looney tune nonsense. I was waiting for someone to run through a wall leaving behind a human shaped print. I just don't understand (at least in the first hour) what this film was trying to accomplish? Either way, it took too long to accomplish and I can only watch so many jokes about weed before I turn it off.