When The Exorcism is Better on VOD than at the Movies

Now available on VOD

Russell Crowe must love playing priests. After The Pope’s Exorcistand appearing in three other movies in between, he’s now in The Exorcism. This latest is a slow burn which sees him as an alcoholic actor who thinks he can do what’s right by trying to reconnect with his daughter (played by Ryan Simpkins) while at work. Unfortunately, he really does not know what he’s getting himself into! Casting this actor is the perfect choice, since he looks totally burnt out.

Despite a spooky introduction where an unsuspecting actor gets hurt in a faked haunted movie set, everyone remains oblivious. It’s a great start to what looks like an homage to The Exorcist, but everything that follows is the opposite. Much of the film is a slow burn.

Also, I suspect people blame the demon Moloch more than any other because his name is very well known in popular culture. I can’t blame writers M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller(who also directed this film) for crafting something that’s more familiar than original. Honestly, they should’ve considered going for the latter; it’d help make this work stand out when this genre isn’t showing a lot of originality these days.

With recognizable names like Sam Worthington to help sell the film, I’m sad that this film isn’t getting the attention it deserves.

Unlike those other films where the directors love going over the top with showing the victim looking bent out of shape, this one keeps the ideas simple. Aside from those auditory and visual cues where we hear someone scream or witness those eyes going red, there’s little else to be freaked out about.

Also, when I have fond memories of David Hyde Pierce as Dr. Niles Crane (Frasier) back when he was young, to see him play a different type of character is more welcoming than not. Also, he’s aged a lot. While he can still charm on a different level, there’s more to like as he plays Father Conor. Without him, I doubt this film can stand well on its own.

As a result, this movie should do better on the VOD front than it did theatrically. One can enjoy The Exorcism like the doctor, able to study the issue at hand, like fine wine in measured doses.

3 Stars out of 5

The Exorcism Movie Trailer

Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra. View all posts by Ed Sum