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Reviews
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
A great prequel to a classic...
I saw this movie four times while it was played in the theaters. I have seen the 1973 original over seventy times -along with "Heretic," and part III. God only knows how many times I have declared undying loyalty to the Exorcist films. A strong dispute exists between the Exorcist fans on whether or not Shcrader or Harlin should have been given the ultimate box office release. I own both films, and I think both are great, but this particular version gives Father Merrin the build up that he deserves (based on the events in Heretic). Both films, clearly, involve Stellan Skarsgård (who was amazing), but this one deserves the credit for keeping interest as the dominant prequel. It is far more believable, considering the personal attacks that those pesky demons like to do, than Dominion. Schrader's work, as it is, will be available in crime/action sections of the video store. Most of Paul Schrader's work revolves around city life and is not as eclectic as the work of Renny Harlin. I do consider it a close call between the films, which I found both to be enjoyable, but this one makes more sense considering the film's lineage. It is a tough call, but this is definitely a film worth watching.
Born Bad (1997)
A lesson for us all
As an adult, I am grateful to have caught this movie by chance when I was a teen. During the time, I was experiencing familial problems. This particular movie managed to capture what I was seeing from a closeted world. How much peer pressure is too much? I actually had to purchase this movie because it reached me on a level unlike most films try to reach an audience. How far might an individual go for social acceptance? Who is the "bad" crowd? Teenagers do struggle trying to find out the answers to these questions, but ultimately...who is the "pack leader" if there must be one? Is it the strong? The beautiful? Perhaps the person we just all seem to like? Could it be the moral character? As far as the movie goes, the cast worked together as if it were predestined. I only hope that more directors and producers try to create a piece of work that reaches all of us like this particular movie reached me. I wish I could vote higher than ten because this particular title deserves much more.