I don't know if there is a name for someone who really enjoys watching exorcism movies, but I'm that person. I watch them all and I've never regretted seeing any of them. I could probably write a script for one; they really don't vary that much, but there is usually a little something that makes each one stand apart.
The score of 7 that I'm giving this one is ranking it with all other exorcism movies, and I've never seen one that I would rank below 4. Actually, my score would be a 6 and 1/2 if I could give that.
(SPOILER ALERT) Let's look at some of the tried and true elements in this one: The Vatican is concerned and sends a Cardinal to investigate; a kindly local priest is present; a beautiful girl is possessed; an evil bird or two makes its presence known; the possessed girl causes one or more people to maim or kill; the unexpected happens during the exorcism.
It's that last part about the actual exorcism that gets some high points from me. When's the last time you saw the guy performing the exorcism holding a knife to the girl's throat, pulling a chain around her neck to kill her? This Cardinal could care less about the girl's health because he realizes this is just not any demonic possession--this girl is possessed by the Anti-Christ itself, and that's something that shakes the Vatican to its core. Major demonic activity during the exorcism--what's not to like? Contrary to some other reviews, I liked the photography, I thought it very good. The acting was also pretty good, and the possessed girl really did a fine job of projecting a crazy demon persona. Michael Pena was good as the kindly priest; he's really only an average actor, but you can't help but like him in any part.
Djimon Hounsou plays only a small role back at the Vatican. It's a shame he was not the one to travel to America to perform the exorcism. The last scenes are of Michael Pena in the Vatican talking to Hounsou. Looks like Pena has been recruited to be second in command of the huge archival collection of "the Devil's work on earth." Just before they get on the elevator, Hounsou turns and says to Pena: "Come and see." Now that rang a familiar bell from Sunday School days. In the book of Revelations one of the Four Beasts says in a voice of thunder: "Come and See." Coincidence? I think not.
The score of 7 that I'm giving this one is ranking it with all other exorcism movies, and I've never seen one that I would rank below 4. Actually, my score would be a 6 and 1/2 if I could give that.
(SPOILER ALERT) Let's look at some of the tried and true elements in this one: The Vatican is concerned and sends a Cardinal to investigate; a kindly local priest is present; a beautiful girl is possessed; an evil bird or two makes its presence known; the possessed girl causes one or more people to maim or kill; the unexpected happens during the exorcism.
It's that last part about the actual exorcism that gets some high points from me. When's the last time you saw the guy performing the exorcism holding a knife to the girl's throat, pulling a chain around her neck to kill her? This Cardinal could care less about the girl's health because he realizes this is just not any demonic possession--this girl is possessed by the Anti-Christ itself, and that's something that shakes the Vatican to its core. Major demonic activity during the exorcism--what's not to like? Contrary to some other reviews, I liked the photography, I thought it very good. The acting was also pretty good, and the possessed girl really did a fine job of projecting a crazy demon persona. Michael Pena was good as the kindly priest; he's really only an average actor, but you can't help but like him in any part.
Djimon Hounsou plays only a small role back at the Vatican. It's a shame he was not the one to travel to America to perform the exorcism. The last scenes are of Michael Pena in the Vatican talking to Hounsou. Looks like Pena has been recruited to be second in command of the huge archival collection of "the Devil's work on earth." Just before they get on the elevator, Hounsou turns and says to Pena: "Come and see." Now that rang a familiar bell from Sunday School days. In the book of Revelations one of the Four Beasts says in a voice of thunder: "Come and See." Coincidence? I think not.