#15 - The Encounter 2 - Paradise Lost

Summary: This movie came out in early 2012, but only arrived in Aust recently (through Koorong). Encounter 2 is the sequel to "The Encounter" (strangely enough), which came out a couple of years ago. Basically, the plot basically involves a drug smuggler (& his partner), and the Federal agent who wants to kill the main guy (instead of simply arresting him), due to a personal vendetta against him. Enter a man who claims he is Jesus (played by veteran actor, Bruce Marchiano, who played Jesus in the original movie), who offers people help with dealing with all their individual issues, He offers redemption and salvation, since He is in fact, the Christ, Son of the living God.

Background: Set on a Thai island (was actually made entirely in Thailand), on an island resort. Introduction to the movie sets the tone with US Federal agent, Rick, very determined to catch his man, Bruno, drug runner, wanting to put his criminal days behind him. Very beautiful setting (entirely different to the 1st movie).

My verdict: The Encounter 2 started out like an action movie, then changed after half an hour, to Jesus talking to individual characters. For me, it was confusing in what direction that movie was going (action or drama?). Some scenes in the movie e.g. involved flashbacks of some of the characters' lives, went longer than necessary. The 1st encounter movie set a high standard, so some weaker parts of this movie stood out clearer e.g. when Jesus talked to individuals, tended to shut out shots of any other characters in the room. Having said all that, the way 'Jesus'(acted by the same actor who played Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew) explains peoples' issues e.g. unforgiveness, bitterness, and how they can get freedom from that through trusting in God (& Him - Christ). Bruce Marchiano is really the star of the movie (even though the veteran actor of Christian movies, David AR White, gets a good run as the agent). He tries to convey the passion and heart of Jesus for every person. In recent interviews, Bruce really believes that this is what Jesus is really about, and tries to express this in movies where he plays Him.

Notable quotes:

"Ï'm Jesus. I'll never tell you that you are not hurting, when you really are".

Highlights:

Jesus talking to characters individually, bringing up some 'home truths', and offering them hope and grace.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Summary:  Hard to beat the first Encounter movie and runs in a few different directions - but Bruce Marchiano is still 1st class at playing Jesus.