‘The Last Exorcism’ Movie Review by MovieMikes
By: Mike Gencarelli
Since “The Blair Witch Project” was released there has been a wave of documentary style films. The latest was last years “Paranormal Activity” which was an enormous success. “The Last Exorcism” follow in those foot steps and delivers on some parts and fails on others. What makes this film different is that it is not just a straight through horror, it is actually quite funny as well. They make you feel safe for the first 30 minutes or so and they once your safe, they turn you upside down and shake you around.
The story follows Rev. Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) as he takes a film crew to exploit an exorcism. During the process he finds out that he is up again more than he can handle. Do not go comparing this movie “The Exorcist”. The filmmakers go completely out of their way to make something completely different. What is great about the film is that it feels real. The documentary style really works well and you feel like you are really watching these events happen.
I must say it is rare than an entire cast gives such excellent performances, especially for a horror film. Ashley Bell, who plays Nell is haunting and really puts herself into the performance 110%. Patrick Fabian provides the humor and give a very convincing performance as the reverend who is lost his faith. Louis Herthum plays Nell’s father. He gives one powerful performance and really grips the role well and makes you feel his pain and frustration that he is going through.
With a summer full of special effects film, it is good to see a film that really does not use CGI for a change. “The Last Exorcism” scares happen since they feel so real. The only problem I have with the film is the ending. I have spoke with the director, Daniel Stamm about the film’s ending and he stands by it saying that he believes it fit real well with the tone of the film. I feel that it really doesn’t. It feels rushed and doesn’t fit. I actually prefer the original ending that was shot but not used. Hopefully they will use that on the DVD release. If you can look past that the film is quite good and worth checking out.
Directed by: Daniel Stamm
Starring: Ashley Bell, Patrick Fabian, Iris Bahr and Louis Herthum
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Rated PG-13
Running time: 87 minutes
MOVIE MIKES SCORE: 3 out of 5 stars
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