The Body

When a basement-building Jerusalem shopkeeper inadvertently uncovers an ancient tomb, a curious investigative team consisting of a Vatican-appointed Jesuit priest (Antonio Banderas) and a chain-smoking Israeli archeologist (Olivia Williams) begin to suspect they've uncovered the final resting place of Christ. As the tomb still contains a decidedly un-risen skeleton, which bears wounds similar to those outlined in scripture, the potential revelation that the Son of God was a mere mortal threatens the sanctity and power of the Vatican, and ignites (yet another) political power struggle between the Israelis and Palestinians. A very interesting premise with no small potential is quickly dashed by writer-director Jonas McCord's listless pacing and laughably bad dialogue, not to mention a supporting cast populated with Middle Eastern caricatures. Leads Banderas (in a performance so laid back he risks slipping into coma) and Williams do their best with what roles they're dealt, but even their best(?) efforts can't breath life into this one. Whether you label it a spiritual drama or a political thriller, The Body is D.O.A. Not recommended. (S. C. Sickles)