Risen (2016) — PICK
X-Men movies

New on Blu-ray, Risen is just one of at least eight movies this year touching in some way on the story of Jesus — but it may be the one most likely to please devout Christian viewers.

The sorts of theological concerns dogging other Jesus films (questions of Jesus’ youthful self-knowledge in The Young Messiah; the seeming disconnect between Jesus and his Father in Last Days in the Desert; etc.) aren’t an issue with Risen, which focuses on a Roman tribune (Joseph Fiennes) investigating the aftermath of the crucifixion of one Yeshua of Nazareth.

What starts as an investigative mystery is boldly resolved halfway through, and the story turns in a different direction. Where to go next? The filmmakers aren’t sure, though there are thoughtful moments along the way.

Despite drawbacks, I find Risen more interesting than a straightforward Gospel story like Son of God. The Blu-ray comes with a feature-length commentary by brother filmmakers Patrick and Paul Aiello (respectively producer and co-writer) and a trio of making-of featurettes totaling about 24 minutes.

Meanwhile, with X-Men: Apocalypse opening in theaters, suppose you want to catch up on X-Men movies? Which should you see?

I’m generally a fan of the franchise, which explores moral themes in a world divided by fear, prejudice and suspicion more thoughtfully than Disney’s Marvel movies.

I recommend the original X-Men and (with content-related caveats) X2: X-Men United, both directed by Bryan Singer. These films establish Patrick Stewart’s Professor X as a voice for understanding and compassion between normal humans and super-powered mutants and Ian Mckellen’s Magneto as a ruthless revolutionary who wants mutants to do unto humans before humans do unto them.

Skip the disappointing threequel X-Men:  The Last Stand, directed by Brett Ratner, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. But the similarly named The Wolverine, set in Japan, is pretty good.

The reboot/prequel X-Men: First Class, starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as younger versions of Professor X and Magneto, smartly explores the origins of the characters and the world we know. And the time-bending X-Men: Days of Future Past, helmed by a returning Singer, effectively blends old and new casts, playing as a triumphant climax to the uneven series.