At the Movies with Fatwayne

I had heard that this movie unfolded too slowly and that there was not enough here to keep one interested. I decided to give it a try anyway and now I can reveal to you that I’m very glad that I did.  I should have known by experience that anything in which Anthony Hopkins is involved in should be worthwhile.

The film starts out with a scene in a mortuary where Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue) and his father, Istvan (Rutger Hauer) work preparing bodies for internment. This workplace is located in their home. I will tell you that the initial scenes were quite disturbing to me including the part where they stuff the deceased’s mouth to present a full appearance and then sew it closed. It is enough to make one spew chunks!

It is no wonder that Michael wants out of the horror movie that is his life. He decides that he can gain a college education by going to a seminary for four years and then quitting before becoming a priest after earning his degree. You see, our Michael is not a believer and can not see himself as a bonafide saver of souls (priest).

His mentor, Father Matthew (Toby Jones) sees much more in Michael and in an effort to not loose him he sends him to visit an old priest/exorcist Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins). Lucas takes him under his wing and lets him experience first hand the evil that the Devil and his demons can reign upon the human race. Michael is at first doubtful despite the mounting evidence that something supernatural and evil is occurring.

The movie concerns itself with the doings of Michael and Father Lucas as they fight for God against Lucifer and his minions. Slowly but surely Michael starts to believe in the existence of evil and his faith in the Church strengthens so that he is able to become a true exorcist.

The film is set mostly in Rome and it is a treat to see that beautiful city and its surrounds. Anthony Hopkins is once again powerful and convincing as Father Lucas and Colin O’Donoghue does a find acting job as the skeptical Michael Kovak. As for the pace, it gives you time to appreciate the growth of the characters and still manages to create a chill or two. Father Lucas tells Michael “just because you don’t believe in the Devil does not protect you from him”.  I’m not saying which way I lean but I can unequivocally state that I hope I never meet him or one of his pals!

Rated  – PG 13  -

Fatwayne’s Rating  - 

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