Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)

As the millennium turns, the crazed trend to produce direct-to-video sequels swells. Very few of these sequels are inspired, although most do not harm their origins. One might understandably pick up something labeled "from the makers of The Prince of Egypt with trepidation. Happily, the makers leave Moses alone and tell the tale of another Bible star, Joseph, known for his coat of many colors and a fantastic destiny. Joseph (voiced by Ben Affleck), his father's favorite son, is sold into slavery by his jealous half-brothers. After years of struggle, Joseph rises to be the Pharaoh's trusted adviser when his gift for interpreting dreams pays dividends. The 78-minute feature is rich in color and features several strong songs ("Better Than I" is the standout) written by newcomer John Bucchino. The film's religious elements are secondary, yet its heart is in the right spot--a most agreeable stance for a wider audience. Prince was designed as an "event" movie and suffered in the hype and marketing. With lower aims, Joseph is a more satisfying film and even invites the unexpected: we're ready for the next "sequel." --Doug Thomas Amazon.com

Stick to THE Script.

Firstly, the animation, musicianship and general production of this DVD was top quality. My son (3) was captivated by the story. I must say also that, for all of the other animated Biblical stories out there, the production quality is in the top 1%. However...

There is a "disclaimer" at the beginning of this dvd which states roughly that they took some artistic liberties with the story but they felt that they kept to the intent or them of the Word.

I disagree.
1) The producers of this animation added items that were not part of the original story (i.e. Joseph's very first dream is about wolves chasing and killing a sheep)
2) They also left out some intricacies which, in my opinion would have added to the story (Completely absent from the story is that Jospeh's mother died while giving birth to his brother).
3) Intentions were mis-appropriated to Joseph. Joseph never had ill-will to his brothers according to the Bible. However, in this movie, he describes them as thieves to his wife... clearly missing the redemptive purpose of his actions towards his brothers.
4) Benjamin was born before Joseph was sold. In the film, Joseph had never met Joseph until he was brought by his brothers to Egypt.

What I did like: Potiphar's Wife and her advances to Jospeh were tastefully handled.

There are more inconsistencies. I'm not asking for perfection, but I strongly believe that there is a great responsibility when adapting Biblical stories for children. Stick to THE Script.

Will your children like it? Yes.
Will you have some explaining to do to the older ones? Yes.

3 stars because, when one decides to make an adaptation of the Bible they should stick to THE Script.
August 12, 2008

Okay movie

We bought this movie recently. I have watched it before, but I guess this time I paid more attention. The movie is good, the cartoons and everything else is fine, the only thing that I did not like, is the story line. I don't think is bible based, I would rent it and watch it before I buy it. It had little things in the story that bothered me, that I really know are not bible based. I understand that they have to make it into a story for a movie but I think this movie does not tell the story in the way that is depicted in the bible. May 28, 2008

How you can go from nothing to having something.

Although it is put in a cartoon, we all have humble beginnings. It's how you apply those beginnings for your outcome. April 5, 2008

Joseph - King of Dreams

Excellent movie for children. Adventure filled and pretty accurate account as told in the Bible. My girls really enjoyed it. January 15, 2008

Joseph, King of Thieves

This is a great movie! What an incredible job they did of portaying this awesome true story in an animated movie that is awesome for both kids and adults!!! January 9, 2008

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