Movie Review: The Pope's Exorcist

 

Horror movies are definitely something that require a brave face and courage - especially on things that involve the supernatural and have been well-documented to exist in real life. The subject of possession and those taken over by an evil spirit in particular is a constant battle the Catholic church faces, which of course requires a priest to exorcise the victim with the power of faith, prayer, and belief in God and his divine works of mercy. One particular figure who specialized in that practice is the late Father Gabriele Amorth - an Italian priest who was the Chief Exorcist Priest of the Vatican and whose files have inspired the events of the new horror film "The Pope's Exorcist".

Directed by Julius Avery and starring Academy Award winning actor Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth himself, The Pope's Exorcist is set in the late 1980's and deals with the priest's battle to save a child possessed by a demon in an abbey located in Spain. With the boy's family distraught and with only a young Spanish priest named Father Esquibel to assist him, Amorth battles the evil while also uncovering a conspiracy that the Vatican itself has hidden. With deep secrets revealed and personal battles fought, it will truly be the greatest challenge the Pope's personal exorcist will face.

Definitely not for the faint of heart but absolutely a treat for those who enjoy and fancy watching things dealing with the supernatural, The Pope's Exorcist is something that should get horror fans and those who want to learn more about possession and exorcism invested. It's a horror movie with elements of action, suspense, and comedy - things that Russell Crowe carries over very well with his charismatic and very charming portrayal of Father Gabriele Amorth. While it doesn't break new ground and follows in the footsteps of similar films like "The Exorcist" and "The Rite", this is a good film to take the uninitiated into to learn about some very real battles the church and the faithful face - showing just how important it is to  believe in a the power of God and prayer in the battle against evil.

The Pope's Exorcist in now showing in cinemas courtesy of Columbia Pictures Philippines!

Movie Review: Les Miserables

It took a great while for me to appreciate the classical masterpiece that is Les Miserables. My first brush with the story based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name came during my school days, when art and music classes exposed me to the musical drama piece, filled with memorable songs of hope, tragedy, and dreams of a better life sung by archetypal characters that would be inspire several literary works. Since then, I never looked up on "Les Mis" again... Until word came that the long awaited film adaptation would be helmed by "The King's Speech" director Tom Hooper, and would have an ensemble comprised of today's best Hollywood performers such as Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried.

Truth be told - unless it was an actual boradway play, movie musicals were hardly something I'd go for in the big screen. Les Miserables more than proved to be an exception to that rule, and after finally seeing it this week via local premiere, I'm literally at a loss for words for what is most deserving to be called a "beautiful masterpiece". Originally premiering in London last month and opening just this week in selected theaters internationally, the film version of "Les Miserables" is a great way to open your 2013 movie experience, and a timeless drama that any art, movie, or music fan should experience. Thanks goes to Solar UIP for the premiere screening this week, and without further ado, here is my review on this timeless dramatic masterpiece!