Story 1.25/2
Acting 1.50/2
Direction & Pace 2.75/2
Entertainment 1.25/2
Total 6.75/10
"Bless The Child," a 2000 millennium religious-based horror flick, is like a Sunday sermon with a devilish twist. The film doesn't reach the divine heights of "The Omen," but it's a serviceable entry in the genre, like a less-then-holy communion wine.
This time, there's no Antichrist making his grand entrance, but rather, a child handpicked by the big guy upstairs to bring the flock back into his fold. Of course, Satan's not one to sit idly by, so he dispatches one of his minions to find the child and put an end to this holy disruption. The concept is intriguing, but it's as though the filmmakers threw a handful of twists at the wall to see what stuck. Some tighter structuring and fleshing out of the supernatural elements would've made this a heavenly horror experience.
The cast does their best with what they're given, with robust performances abound. Rufus Sewell's Eric Stark needed to be slightly more ominous and sinister. Moreover, Kim Basinger's Maggie O'Conner could've used a bit more physical and emotional presence in her battle with the forces of darkness.
The direction and pacing are commendable, with some visually captivating shots that add a layer of intrigue. The special effects, considering the time, hold up well. The CGI rats may look like they've had a bad fur day, but those red eyes are positively chilling. One of the best FX is the smoky flying demons, fluttering ominously around and driving the dark apostles to commit vicious and atrocious crimes. And let's not forget the impressive spectacle of Satan's grand entrance, assembled from millions of red-eyed rodents.
In conclusion, "Bless The Child" is a delightful slice of hocus pocus that won't make you repent for watching it. It's an excellent choice for a cosy evening in the dark, snuggled up with your love and a steaming coffee. So, frantically grab your holy water and popcorn, and let the religious rollercoaster take you for a unique spin.
Total 6.75/10
"Bless The Child," a 2000 millennium religious-based horror flick, is like a Sunday sermon with a devilish twist. The film doesn't reach the divine heights of "The Omen," but it's a serviceable entry in the genre, like a less-then-holy communion wine.
This time, there's no Antichrist making his grand entrance, but rather, a child handpicked by the big guy upstairs to bring the flock back into his fold. Of course, Satan's not one to sit idly by, so he dispatches one of his minions to find the child and put an end to this holy disruption. The concept is intriguing, but it's as though the filmmakers threw a handful of twists at the wall to see what stuck. Some tighter structuring and fleshing out of the supernatural elements would've made this a heavenly horror experience.
The cast does their best with what they're given, with robust performances abound. Rufus Sewell's Eric Stark needed to be slightly more ominous and sinister. Moreover, Kim Basinger's Maggie O'Conner could've used a bit more physical and emotional presence in her battle with the forces of darkness.
The direction and pacing are commendable, with some visually captivating shots that add a layer of intrigue. The special effects, considering the time, hold up well. The CGI rats may look like they've had a bad fur day, but those red eyes are positively chilling. One of the best FX is the smoky flying demons, fluttering ominously around and driving the dark apostles to commit vicious and atrocious crimes. And let's not forget the impressive spectacle of Satan's grand entrance, assembled from millions of red-eyed rodents.
In conclusion, "Bless The Child" is a delightful slice of hocus pocus that won't make you repent for watching it. It's an excellent choice for a cosy evening in the dark, snuggled up with your love and a steaming coffee. So, frantically grab your holy water and popcorn, and let the religious rollercoaster take you for a unique spin.