THE EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING: 2004: -+: HRR: This movie is one of my favorites of the movies involving demonic possession because it is a prequel to the 1973 movie, The Exorcist starring Linda Blair. Not only does this movie have great character development, explain the origins of the evil that plagues Linda Blair and others in the subsequent movies, but also is in itself pretty scary.
Stellan Skarsgard, who plays father Merrin, is excellent as is Izabello Scorupco. There is plenty of foreshadowing in this movie and interesting use of flashbacks. You get see why Father Merrin loses his faith during this movie because it shows how in WWII, he had to deal with a very traumatic experience.
The mythology surrounding the buried church, as well as explaining the origin of the demon is very well done and make the movie believable, (in as much as you believe in demons). It does take a little while to get moving, but during that time explanations regarding the church, the characters, and the archaeological dig take place. Many don't know that there are actually 4 formal Exorcist movies, and this one is one of the better ones in my opinion. The second one is forgettable and very campy, while the third one was pretty good.
This movie has excellent music and the special effects are spot on. Stand out scenes are when the child first gets possessed and the tribesman conduct an African Exorcism, when the dogs tear apart the young bully, when the spirit possesses Izabello and finally when Father Merrin realizes she is possessed because her room is completely taken over by evil.
This was directed by Raymond Harlin and didn't do well in the theatres or with critics. It actually bombed which is odd, because I enjoyed it, especially in the context of being a prequel to The Exorcist. Perhaps it was too hyped up or people just didn't want to sit through it:::86%
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