As far as exorcism films go, this movie is as vanilla as they come. I don't remember any cursing, there were were uncomfortable body contortions by the possessed girl, but it was just so basic. It's the same tired set-up time and time again; girl is possessed, they call a Catholic priest, he has to convince the Vatican that the girl is possessed and get clearance to perform an exorcism. With other religions, you don't need to go through all of that noise. Pentecostals, for example, believe that people can in fact be possessed. If someone is possessed, they begin the process right away. No waiting, no red tape. The creepy, cult-like nature of the Catholic church just makes the whole process needlessly complicated. If someone believes that they are possessed, get the damn demon out if them, got-dammit. That being said, the acting is okay, the special effects were passable, and the ending was better than I expected. But overall, the premise of this movie has already been done TO DEATH. let's get some new ideas thrown into the mix now. Instead of a girl, make it a boy. Instead of Catholic priests, make it a Pentecostal Pastor. Just change the formula. It's no longer scary when you don't believe in what is trying to scare you.
Review of The Vatican Tapes
