The Rite
The exorcism is alive and well with the release of a second film in less than a year on this occult practice. While not as interesting as “The Last Exorcism”, “The Rite” takes the game holding its own.
Father Lucas Treves (Anthony Hopkins) is an exorcist who is learning the ropes to the apprentice priest Michael (Colin O’Donoghue) who still do not know if the good and evil exist. After several successful rituals, the behavior of the mentor begins to change dramatically. Is the Ugly would have grabbed him?
Anthony Hopkins has always liked to transform the ordinary man play before metamorphosing few seconds later in real Lucifer. Since his famous “The Silence of the Lambs”, he often embodied derivatives of this character, especially in suites uninspired, banal “Instinct” and the distressing “Wolfman”. Here it is back in relatively good shape, trying not to pay too much in mimicry of use. As usual it outshines its partners in the game (the young Colin O’Donoghue who is doing very well and the sparkling Alice Braga, who portrays a budding journalist), even if he waits at the end before pouring in excess.
These interpreters are well served by the staging of Mikael Hafstrom. Even more than in previous and disappointing “Derailed” and “1408″, the Swedish filmmaker takes meticulous care of his mood. This tense atmosphere, especially trembling, contrasts with the great moments of tension that are, ironically, not as effective. So all the little things of everyday heroes pique curiosity, while exorcisms slightly disappointed, always a finger slide into the ridiculous. Unfortunately what happens during the final confrontation that does not convince with its special effects still uneven.
Where director Daniel Stamm bluffing completely surprising his audience on “The Last Exorcism” by superimposing fiction to mock reality, the creator of the noted “Evil” tries to convince everyone that his story inspired by true facts. But in vain, effort running at only half. Like this story begins in force before becoming moralistic before sunset generic. Within this demonstration panting a little sloppy but there is this eternal inner struggle that afflicts humans, forced to choose between its dark and light. But who will, if necessary, be brought to order by a superior force, a future member of the clergy just …
At a time when thrill-seeking is sometimes at the expense of the rest, it is well to note that “The Rite” is not abused too much shock effects free. Too bad that the more advance feature and the interest fades, because the first time in more than one tape.
