First off, the acting is subpar at best and lacks heart. By: Erika Ashley Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince, and his adopted Roman brother, Messala Severus, start out as the best of friends and enjoy their playful competitive spirit. However, Messala feels the constant need to prove himself to the Ben-Hur family and make a name for himself that is not associated with his deceased grandfather’s prior mistakes. Messala flees to join the Roman Military, making his way through the ranks for years, while Judah remains a passive leader amongst his struggling people. Years later the two brothers come together again when the Roman Empire begins to occupy Ben-Hur’s homeland of Jerusalem and a group of radicals end up putting Judah and his family’s lives in danger. Falsely accused of treason Messala is forced to turn his back on his adoptive family and dooms Judah to a life as a galley-slave until his death. More time passes and Judah, fueled by hate, survives a fatal military attac