Biblical ‘Miracle Maker’ Is No Flashy Feat of Clay

The Last Supper has probably been interpreted in every kind of kitsch medium from Crayolas to seashells to black velvet, so why not a Last Supper in clay? And not just clay, but little animated clay figures that look almost real--or at least, almost like real little animated clay figures.

Television to the rescue with another crying need fulfilled. “The Miracle Maker,” a peculiar and unlikely ABC movie airing at 7 p.m. Sunday, interprets not only the Last Supper but other events of the life of Christ in 3-D clay animation, which previously has been best known for giving life to dancing raisins for a series of raisin commercials.

Unfortunately, the clay figures prove more of a distraction than boon or blessing. You find yourself ignoring the story and wondering why all the people of ancient biblical times had fat-looking arms. At least the character of Jesus Christ has not been turned into a blue-eyed, blond-haired dude as in such Hollywood biblical spectacles as “King of Kings” with Jeffrey Hunter.

“Miracle Maker” does not tell the entire life of Jesus. There is no nativity sequence. It deals with Jesus as an adult so that his actions can be observed by a little boy, a generic little boy, drawn into the film presumably in the hope he’ll draw other children in to watching.

To make the story more accessible still for children, the poetry of the Bible is dumbed-down--let us say, “simplified”--into more conversational talk. Thus does “In my Father’s house are many mansions” become “In my Father’s home, there are many rooms.” Thud. Maybe it makes it easier to understand but there’s nothing lovely or lyrical about it.

A long list of religious advisors is included in the credits. Compared to much prime-time programming, “Miracle Maker” does seem to have a worthwhile purpose. It has “good deed” written all over it. And it is a good deed. It just isn’t very good.

* “The Miracle Maker” can be seen Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC. The network has rated it TV-G (suitable for all ages).