Noah film is 'Noah without God': Darren Aronofsky's version gets the thumbs down from the Vatican

A daily newspaper linked to the Vatican has given its verdict on the Noah blockbuster currently in cinemas and it's not good.

Avvenire describes Darren Aronofsky's take on the Old Testament story as "ecologically, and vaguely New Age, transforming the Biblical tale into a missed chance". 

Russell Crowe, who plays Noah in the film, has been on the defensive for the last few months as controversy mounted over the artistic licence being taken with the story. 

So sure was he of its greatness that he even flew all the way to Rome to plead with Pope Francis to see it.  It took two failed attempts before he was finally able to meet the Pope and receive his blessing. 

The review from Avvenire is the first word from the Catholic Church on the film and Crowe will be disappointed to hear the review also concluded that Noah was "a lost opportunity, Noah without God". 

In addition to Crowe, the film stars Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman and Emma Watson.

Watson said in the run-up to its release that she believed in a "higher power" and that the Bible version of Noah had to be tweaked to give dialogue and more roles to women.   

While faith groups voiced their concerns, Connelly came out to say she felt the film was true to the "essence, values, and integrity" of the Bible. 

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.