The Rite Review

The Rite review

If the main character in The Rite were called Father Merrin, this movie would be a good prequel to the Exorcist, the problem is there have already been two of the said prequels, both with the same premise but handled very differently by their respective directors. The result of all this is that if you have seen any exorcism flicks, you will feel as if you have seen The Rite before.

This movie carries a PG-13 rating, not what you want for a horror in all honesty, and is directed Mikael Hafstrom, the man responsible for the screen adaptation of Stephen King’s 1408. The Rite is a pretty good movie, it’s just that its covering old ground and nothing feels fresh.

Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue) is a young mortician who joins a seminar college to escape the family business. He finishes his four year course but, being a skeptic, has no intention of becoming a priest. When he is told that if he doesn’t enter the priesthood he will have to pay back the costs of his tuition, he reconsiders and flies toRometo attend a month long course.

The subject of the course is exorcism, and Michael vehemently argues his disbelief in all things supernatural. As result he is sent to visit an exorcist to witness the proceedings first hand, and this is when the movie takes a downturn as it all becomes far too familiar. We all know that despite his hardened heart, Michael will end up as a believer. We know he will see the possessed, write them off as crazies, but eventually see the light and become a man of the faith.

Despite this, the movie does have some unexpected and interesting moments that keep you interested. The location shots ofRomeare stunning and there are some powerful seems but you can’t get away from the fact that at the end of the day it’s just another exorcist movie, albeit with a great start.

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