Fox's "The Passion Live" narrated by Tyler Perry was a unique take on the classic Bible story and its huge gamble paid off as critics and reviewers have generally given the special glowing reviews.
A review on Crosswalk credited the approach of the special for sticking true to the gospel without sounding too preachy which may turn off some of the viewers. Instead, it managed to incorporate contemporary elements and music that were used to communicate the true meaning of Christ's life, death and resurrection.
"The biggest takeaway is that more than ever there is an audience longing for that which is real and meaningful. In these days of heated politics and ever-polarized communities of people, we saw the story of Jesus told faithfully in the context of today, using the elements of today, sharing a faith that is as real and true as it ever has been, and is sorely needed to bring healing in our homes and communities. Our world needs Jesus, and only Jesus, and this TV event brought that message home. My hope is that we can learn from it, and that we will see more like it in the future," it said.
An article on Deadline also found the Fox special cited the use of a 20 foot illuminated crucifix being carried by a procession of people from Super Dome in New Orleans to the Woldenpark stage, where the actors were holding the live show.
While the review found some issues on the Special's commercialization with its numerous cuts for the advertising spots, it did commend the cast which included Yolanda Adams, and Trisha Yearwood for outstanding musical performances.
"With this crowded roster of players and elements, The Passion mostly avoided any contemporary commentary, unless we count those police-as-villains or Jesus and his fellow cross-bound convicts attired in Orange-Is-The-New-Black jumpsuits. In what might have been an anti-capital punishment message, Perry described a crucifixion in gruesome step-by-step detail. "What's happening to Jesus in these moments is beneath humanity," he said. Nevertheless, unlike most Passion Plays, he left the visuals to the imagination," the review noted.
