RITE (2011)

This is a pretty cool film... its well written and well executed. The DVD jacket says its the best exorcist film since "the Exorcist" itself.... big call. Does it live up to those claims? I'd have to say no, but its still a pretty cool little film and does bring another angle on the exorcism theme. The film THE EXORCIST is a very harsh and jarring experience with some quite disturbing scenes, this movie while no cake walk, is  a great watch is a little easier going on the senses, and may be an easier watch for those newer to the horror genre.

The film revolves around Michael, a young would be priest who has completed 4 years of study, not because he is a faithful catholic but wanted a free ride though college at the churches expense, who then on completion declines to take  up service as a priest. He is then threatened with liability for the study costs but given an option to attend the Vatican after a chaplain identifies a need for the church to have more exorcists on hand after rising numbers of  'incidents'. He decides to take up the offer and go to Rome (Vatican city) to study as and exorcist and is taken under charge of Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), a veteran exorcist, to view and hopefully rid a young woman of her demons

This is more of a thriller than just a standard horror flick but also raises issues of faith and belief when young Michael discovers there's a lot more to what's going on than science can explain. The movie itself has been well researched and the Latin dialogue during the rites  of exorcism come across rather genuine.

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THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005)

I have to admit I was very pleasantly surprised with this one... It started off a little slow ..... Much like any exorcism movie I guess.....  but what separates this one from a multitude of  exorcism / possession films that have come before it is that much of it takes place in the court room, so its like cross over exorcism flick meets court room drama, which I find really take on what could have been a very run-of-the-mill exorcism flick.

The movie recounts from the witness stand and the mouth of Father Richard Moore, the catholic priest that conducted the exorcism of Emily Rose,  the events of which could have either been a demonic possession or a psychotic episode depending on which side of the proceedings your sense of logic takes you, which led to the untimely death of young Emily, a university student who'd just started studying after winning a scholarship. The gore levels aren't too high but the movie never looses its focus, it is always interesting and keeps the viewer captivated, this would cross over well with non-horror fans and horror fans alike. The movie is well thought out and its obvious the creators have researched the subject matter (or had a thorough prior knowledge)  in the occult and cases of demonic possession which really makes this feel authentic. I really can't say enough good things about this film.

Some people say the mark of a good movie is to make you believe and in many cases I tend to agree with that. When recounting the events of the Emily Rose trial Fr. Moore's testimony and the films depictions of the events really  do make you question whether or not demonic possession can occur. On side issue I couldn't help but wonder, testimony  involving the supernatural (much less demonic possession) generally wouldn't be taken seriously in any court, yet most western world court rooms are quite happy to have you swear on a bible.

All I can do is tell you to check this movie out for yourself if you can find it on youtube in the 'available to rent' format and I'm sure any  dvd retailer should have it

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