The Exorcism

4.5/10

In The Exorcism, actor Anthony Miller (played by Russell Crowe) is cast as a priest in a new demonic possession movie, only to find himself possessed by an actual demon. (Yeah, it's weird that Crowe decided to do two exorcism movies so close together, but he does play a very different character here.)

This is one of those movies that is frustrating because there are hints of what could've been a good film. Miller's tragic backstory, and the reason he's vulnerable to possession, is well-crafted. There are some good pieces of dialogue and performances are good throughout.

However, the movie is inconsistent in quality. There are also several lines that don't work. Pacing is very slow. The lighting is just too dark. Also, there appears to be a logic to the demon's plan that isn't made as clear as it should be.

Now if it was just the flaws above, I would've been more charitable with the rating on behalf of the stuff that does work, but then comes the ending. The finale is truly disappointing. 

Going back to the performances, you really can't blame the cast. Crowe may not have the best material, but you definitely believe him as the character. It's too bad Frasier's David Hyde Pierce isn't in that many movies (I recommend you see him in the underexposed thriller The Perfect Host; he's quite good.) He's very congenial as a priest consultant on the film. The Equalizer TV show's Adam Goldberg is probably the best at making all the lines work as the movie's director.

Not recommended. The slow pace and bad ending do not make the ending worth watching.