The Pope's Exorcist

 

THE POPE'S EXORCIST = A

Anytime you go into a film like this, your personal beliefs, thoughts & theories have an effect on how you perceive what you are watching. I'm sure a Christian probably has preconceived concepts that I do not have as an agnostic, which would make the viewing experience much different. I for one do not hold strong convictions that would have a dramatic effect on how I would view such a film, so I was able to more or less view it strictly as a piece of art. 

And strictly as a piece of art, I found the film to be quite good. It was captivating, full of the right pace of horror & action. I found the character of Gabrielle & Russell Crowe's performance to be outstanding. I was excepting a bit more of a soul searching, questioning his faith, nearly giving up on it, rediscovering it prose, but wasn't disappointed as it dove right in to the heroic elements of the film. 

I appreciated the Batman/Robin-esque partnership between Gabrielle & Esquibel.  Stories of true friendship & selflessness are so rare nowadays.  It was refreshing to see the two have one another's backs, stop at nothing to save the child & risk their own lives to save one another. 

I also appreciated how neither character was perfect nor in a realm of false modesty. Both were open and honest of their sins & Gabrielle's encouragement for Esquibel to be vulnerable, without being critical or judgmental of him added to the strength of their duo. 

Of course a film like this will raise questions, both philosophical as well as theological. I know it did for me, & I'm sure it would for most who watch it.  

I did not find this to be preachy, religiously prolific or even a film of secret conversion. It was simply a good film that happens to deal with a religious subject.  I'd watch it again.