Dog’s Movie House: “The Exorcism” Intriguing But Extremely Flawed Take On The Possession Genre!

Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here and I’m reviewing yet another Exorcism film. Over the years it’s been almost impossible to replicate the success or originality of 1973’s “The Exorcist.” One of the reasons that “The Exorcist” is so good is that the film plays more like a serious drama with horrific elements added. It’s a slow burn masterpiece that earns the fear through sympathy for the characters, all of which are three dimensional and well-written. (It helps that the novel’s author, William Peter Blatty, also penned the script.) The latest attempt to add to the possession craze is called “The Exorcism,” starring Russell Crowe as a washed up actor playing a priest in a loose modern interpretation of “The Exorcist.” When his own recently conquered personal demons begin showing up, the question is raised whether he’s relaspsing or under the sway of something more sinister. An interesting idea but it gets bogged down in the usual horror tropes that bury the film during its second half!