Movie Review - The Rite

The Rite

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Rutger Hauer, Marta Gastini, and more...

Directed by: Mikael Hafstrom Written by: Michael Petroni - suggested by the book by Matt Baglio

Premise: Michael Kovak ran off to seminary school to get away from his father and the family business. From the start he only planned to go long enough to get a degree then leave before he has to give his final vows. However, after a strange accident, his superior tells him how he'd like him to go to Rome to take a two month course on Exorcism and then decide whether to become a priest or not. So having nothing to lose, Michael goes to Rome.

Review: If you want a scare fest film, this is not for you. Luckily for me, I hoped it would be something else and it was.

Colin O'Donoghue does a great job as the skeptic (with some heavy denial) in the film. Anthony Hopkins was awesome as the bone weary exorcist and then does what he does best later in the film. (Hey, you don't really want me to tell you, do you?) Heh heh. Marta Gastini was totally awesome and creepy as both a victim and a spirit.

Great view shots of Rome - from the Vatican to busy Rome streets to crumbling parks. Subtle but very nice special effects. The music by Alex Heffes was slow, sweet, and at times creepy as all get out.

This movie is about giving you the creeps rather than cheap scares. They do still shove in there a couple of 'jump in your chair' shots, but don't make it a habit. Mood and atmosphere are king here. And it was good. Plus all the little things they threw in there that screamed of wrongness.

There are no real surprises per say. Though having said that the accident toward the beginning of the movie will totally catch you off guard. It's really were we start to see that something might just be going on here. Which is of course why we're watching the movie in the first place. :P

I enjoyed it. If you go with the right expectation, I think you will too.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby says better for Matinee)