Exorcist: The Beginning (a Review)

[Brice]

This is my first review for Filmwurld so you will have to excuse
the fact that I may not be up to speed with all the right lingo
on film but I don't think that that will matter with this review.

Having just, I mean within the last 20 minutes, seen this movie
I couldn't wait to post this review. In a word the movie was was,
wait for it, CRAPTACULAR.

The script was lame, leaving out some of the wit and wisdom of
the original William Peter Blatty.
It was almost as if it was penned by George Lucas.
The choice of the GOOD WILL HUNTING actor to play a young
Father Merrin at first seemed like a good idea till one realizes that
he was handicapped by the hugely pathetic script. Everyone
else in the movie seemed to be cast on the blank stares they
each gave during their performances.

I did enjoy the fact that they seemed to bring back REGAN's
original DEVIL'S voice but everything else left me yearning for
more. A weak script, extremely poor acting and the worst
CGI effects this side of a graduating class from a store front
animation school makes me give this movie a no-go.
If pathetasad was a word then this moving is a living testament.

My esteemed colleague Johann enjoyed the film. Maybe it's me!

[Johann]

Yes indeed Brice and I just saw this film.

Now before I start beating my chest, I will point out the serious problems.

1-The CGI. I hated the flies, wild dogs (hyenas?) and sandstorms all created on a computer. Totally fake, and a mega distraction.
2-The script. It IS weak. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the movie.
3-The boring parts and stilted acting. Mr. Harlin has a few scenes that induced my yawn reflex. Not to mention the oft-annoying score, which has way too many horror cliches.

But as I say, it didn't prevent me from liking it on the whole.

The first thing that I noticed and why I give Renny huge credit is hiring Vittorio Storraro to shoot it. Striking visuals all around.
The other thing I really admire is that the film doesn't try to be better than the original. If Renny was trying too hard I didn't notice. He keeps pace with The Exorcist storyline.

The final 10 minutes were worth it.


*Warning Spoilers*

The doctor, Sarah becomes possessed by the devil.
Her makeup is the same as Regan's was in the original, scars and all. She also has the same acrobatic body it seems..
She dry humps Father Merrin after killing the other priest.
He must resort to the same "Roman Ritual" exorcism that was conducted in the original, all leading up to an ending that is perfect for inciting you to pop the original film into your DVD player. (Although we don't find out how the idol got buried in Iraq)


So I give it a thumbs up. It's not a masterpiece, but neither is it "craptacular". The editing is very smooth and the opening sequence is very arresting.

[tabuno]

Johann, why couldn't you have just left Brice's post alone? Now I don't know whether or not to see this movie. I thought Brice had an answer for me. Thanks Johann for making my mind have to go through the hideous torture of having to think again.

[Johann]

Ha ha- sorry Tabuno!

You might hate it- and I can understand why anyone would.
I liked it.

Here's my safest recommendation: RENT THE DVD.