"The Rite" scores big on effects, reasonable storyline

 

Anthony Hopkins delivers as Fr. Lucas Trevant, an unorthodox
Catholic Priest in the dark and dangerous ministry of
exorcism. Colin O'Donoghue costars

As the first movie to be reviewed on this blog, I think I chose a good one! The Rite, Starring Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga and Ciaran Hinds opened nationwide January 28th and I saw it yesterday. I was stunned from the very first frame of a quote by the late great John Paul II. Seeing this, I was under the impression that the church was in on the making of this film and that is evident throughout most of the film. O'Donoghue plays Michael Kovak, a disillusioned seminarian banging out a college education on the Church's dollar. The son of a Mortician, Michael sees the seminary as a means to escape the life of a Mortician-to-be. At the request of his superior, Michael travels to Vatican City to study for two months before he leaves the religious life. Skeptical and steadfast in the ways of the physical world, Michael is unmoved and downright aghast at the motives and the belief in Exorcism and Demonic forces taught by Father Xavier (Hinds) so he is referred to a Father Lucas (Hopkins) who is a real Exorcist who does daily exorcism rituals and healings daily in and around the City. Lucas takes Michael on as a sort of apprentice. What follows is a journey neither men will ever forget or remain the same after. The thing that struck me most about this film was the sharp diversion away from dozens of films like it, it doesn't TRY to scare you, it takes you on a fact-based journey that is scary whether you like it or not. With sound special effects and beautiful cinematography, the quality of the film is very apparent, along with wonderful performances by all, especially Hopkins. Now I know what you all are asking: Is it true to the Catholic faith? I would say it is at least 80% in line with all church teaching and I would even go so far as to say it teaches you things you wouldn't hear on Sunday in your parish. Besides, the ending is well worth the insulting undertones made by those around Michael and Michael's own lack of faith. But, with the given subject matter, Parents beware! I would suggest not letting anyone under 14 go, unless they are strong with the faith and then I would say 11 is pushing it. Great for young adults and middle-age Catholics. Overall I give the film by Mikael Hafstrom 4 out of 5 stars, well done all. It is 112 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material, violence, frightening images, and language including sexual references.