EXORCIST: The Beginning

With Stellan Skarsgard, Isabella Scorupco, James D'Arcy, Remy Sweeney, Ben Cross
Directed by Renny Harlin

Besides the fact that they shouldn't have bothered, they apparently fired Paul Schrader from the job - if only they hadn't there may have been a fraction of redemption to this load of muck. Not scary, not creepy, not faith shaking, nor entertaining, this prequel takes us to father Merrin's beginnings. He has given up his priesthood (due to WWII experiences) and turned to archeology. When he gets called in to investigate a find in Africa, he can't resist. What he finds is a perfectly preserved catholic church, buried in the desert. After entering, the evil starts to emanate. For a fan of the original writer-director team's film (William Peter Blatty & William Friedkin), this will seem like blasphemy. Skarsgard is not bad in the Merrin role, but everything from mood to FX and even props simply don't cut it. Harlin should stick to action fare and Hollywood should stop delving for an extra buck.

2 / C
- PB

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…the 2nd opinion…

A tedious bore fest, riddled with stereotypes & clichés. Jesus, not to mention the amateur FX & make-up.
Turkey!

- Uncle Vinnie