MOVIES - Dec. 22, 1988

In spite of statements to the contrary by Cineplex Odeon chief Garth Drabinsky, Universal Pictures said Tuesday it does not plan to re-release the critically successful but controversial movie, “The Last Temptation of Christ.” The movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, is based on the 1950s novel by Nikos Kazantzakis and drew widespread criticism for its portrayal of Christ as a man with normal human desires and faults. Drabinsky said last week that the film would be re-released nationally next spring after nominations for the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards were announced.