Horror Movie Reviews
THE EXORCIST (3.5/5 stars)
In the 1973 horror film, “The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, a young girl called Regan (Linda Blair) and her mother Chris McNeil (Ellen Burstyn) witness unusual happenings in their house. Before long, these happenings escalate into possession by the devil. After numerous psychiatrists and doctors are unable to heal her daughter’s strange “symptoms,” Chris looks to a priest for help and asks for an exorcism.
Although this film is on several lists of “top horror movies,” it does not have the qualities of a film that truly strikes terror into people. The possession and the slow deterioration of Regan’s body, along with the added deep demon voice was not and done in a way that would be very believable today. This is not at the fault of the director or actors, as the film was made in 1973 and these effects were probably horrific then, but the deep voice and bright green vomit that kept emitting from Regan’s mouth did not really help. Because possession was the fear factor, the film was generally not scary.
The character development of the film took thirty minutes and was particularly bland, however once Regan begins to misbehave, cuss, and become dramatically violent all at the fault of the devil, the film becomes entertaining.
When Regan’s face becomes sickly and she clearly looks possessed, the film becomes intriguing and enjoyable to watch. The family’s attempts to seek for help are suspenseful and immensely emotional. The audience feels captivated with the desire for Regan to be healed, and when all scientific reason fails Chris finds an exorcist. What happens from then on results in a slightly sad, but satisfying end.
Linda Blair’s performance as Regan was phenomenal. It did not at all seem like a child wearing excessive makeup was “acting” possessed. The disgustingly sickly look of Blair’s face, the cussing, and the brute strength Blair appeared to have all enhanced her great acting skills.
Through multiple parts in the movie, there is no background music. During the few times music is played, the effects of it become impactful and suspenseful. The score was very well done.
For a film that was done over 30 years ago, the special effects are admirable. It is rather alarming to see the deaths that occur and the mischievousness of the devil by the effects they used.
“The Exorcist” is not ideal if one is looking to be pee-your-pants scared, but the fear level is pretty basic and can be handled by most people that do not find monstrous creatures to be overwhelmingly terrifying.
“The Exorcist” is a classic that is worth watching despite its few faults.
ANABELLE (3/5 stars)
“Annabelle”, directed by John R. Leonetti, is a modern spin-off of “The Conjuring”. It tells the tale of a vintage doll that soon-to-be-father John Gordon (Ward Horton) gives his wife Mia Gordon (Annabelle Wallis). The delight of having a vintage doll for their unborn child quickly turns into a nightmare: one night the young couple is attacked by satanists who possess the doll. As the movie continues, the couple begins to experience supernatural happenings as the doll becomes sentient.
While a haunted doll living in a house with a baby might be initially terrifying, by the time the movie reaches its climax, the concept comes across as silly and misguided. After it is clear that the doll is possesed, there is no substantial plot development or new scare factors.
Disregarding the nonexistent plot line, the real strength of “Annabelle” is in the cinematography. Viewers who have watched Leonetti’s previous movies will agree that this movie stays true to his style of ultra-realism. The shots are pieced together effectively and capture the tension he wants viewers to feel for the entirety of the film.
While the first part of the movie had one of the most boring setups of all time, as the film progresses the story does get a little bit more interesting (although only few scenes were actually scary). The movie is well shot, and is theatrical enough to stay somewhat engaging.
Those who love haunted dolls scaring their human victims might believe that “Annabelle” is a movie with great potential. For the rest of us, if you want to spend Halloween night indoors cuddled with blankets and popcorn this movie is definitely worth the one watch. Just in case it turns out to be a disappointment, have actual Halloween classics ready.
