The Reaches of Evil.....

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Last Sunday after hitting the gym I went straight to SM North Cinema 9 to watch the long anticipated movie the "The Rite". But prior to my cardio routine, I already bought tickets to ensure we have the best seats in the house. When I got the ticket I'm quite surprise that the movie is shown in a non-reserved seating cinema and it only cost 111PhP, one of the cheapest movie ticket I had for recent years.(Isn't this movie currently on the top of U.S. Box office?) The last time I recall it was 80PhP(Provincial Rate). Perhaps it’s been a quite while since I haven’t been into theaters as I was expecting it's going to cost me 150/180Php. And as scare/fear meter, I brought along my cousin who is faint or chicken-hearted to horror films and a firm believer of ghosts, not that I want to cause her some sleepless nights. I just wanted see how should she react to the movie.

The reel rolls where a young mortician Michael working in their mortuary business who then finally decided to leave town and his depressing life to explore world possibilities. But even after attending seminary class he begins to question his faith. The events (mother's death) from his past could have put his belief in odds and his theological training was not able resolve that conflict. So he opted to leave the holy institution; but before he can finally do so he was sent to Vatican, as the last effort of Father Mathew(his mentor) to convince and enlist him as a priest.

While attending the exorcism class, he is clearly skeptical but enticed entirely by the subject whether if a person is possessed or simply needs a psychiatric treatment. With his doubts of authenticity of exorcism process, he was sent to Father Lucas an unorthodox exorcist but with long resume of successful exorcisms conducted. But being not a stalwart man of faith that even after seeing the frightening evidence and proof of the unseen from Father Lucas’ work, Matthew still continues to struggles with his beliefs until an ominous occurrences force him to consider the possibility that The Devil is real and may have his eyes on him. (Watch the movie for the conclusion)

As for the characters portrayal, I find Colin O’Donoghue somewhat boring and stiff, too much seriousness. Not to put much pressure on him though as he is not a seasoned actor(I believe this is his first exposure in a big screen) He had some small parts in "Tudors" series which I haven't seen him perform.

A distinction even made it more apparent by another brilliant performance of Anthony Hopkins, known best for his portrayal of the character “Hannibal Lecter” in “The Silence of the Lambs” series. He flawlessly assumes the role of Father Lucas. Even interesting is that some scenes seems to reincarnate the ghosts of Hannibal Lecter’s (crazed doctor) in Father Lucas speech and actions. I find it distracting though as I am loosing Father Lucas character a bit. But this seem to be Sir Hopkins trademark, Father Lucas and Lecter presents a mix of piercing intelligence and wild savagery, tied together by his screen-filing charisma. That no matter how bad he delivers, just remembering Lecter will spark your interest in every gestures and every twitch of his face that he makes in the movie. It's like having Hannibal Lecter shtick clothed in priest’s robes.

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What I really appreciate in the film is the cinematography (who doesn't love Europe). Thanks for the visually beautiful shots. The cinematography got my attention from the get go, the captivating depictions of behind-the-scenes of mortuary work, he made it interesting rather than disgusting. Then it features amazing aerial shots of Rome and the Vatican then down to the street level which allows us to view Rome the way Romans do. The scenes are shot in close up at eye level which adds to our feeling of presence in the room of the exorcisms.

The musical score though is off beat, for me one of the vital elements of horror films is the sound. (Have you tried covering your ears to block the sound, and notice how it lessens your fear?) Surely there was some creepy laughter, church bells, the whispers; but they could have done probably more in the background music to amplify our fear. Its simplicity didn't emphasize the fearful actions portrayed on the screen.

The most chilling aspect of “The Rite” is that it is based on true events. While little is revealed concerning this fact, the story’s basis in reality is alarming when events begin to unfold. While this movie is about exorcisms and must include religious symbols and values, the movie was keen and careful enough not to force any beliefs on the audience, mostly because the central character is a nonbeliever.

‘The Rite’ is just an average and predictable exorcism flick, it's only distinguishable feature is the theatricality of Anthony Hopkins. We have seen movies about faith being questioned and tested many times before, and were presented to us in far more interesting ways than this. The Rite is only recommended to those who get goose bumps from the standard silly rating of PG-13 scares. (No gore and blood scenes, not much profanity)

Nonetheless, “The Rite” is a great addition to the stack of exorcism flicks. As we mentioned before, we do not expect this to surpass its predecessors but in between its flowing plotline, visually appealing cinematography and great cast, the film is entertaining, and there are no a dull moments. “The Rite” is already at the top of the box office for its opening weekend, and  this supernatural psychological thriller surely will chill and captivate viewers for some time.


And to my favorite line in the movie, "What did you expect? Spinning heads? Pea soup?” Father Lucas said after performing the exorcism.