Review of Bless the Child (2000) by Lara G — 23 Feb 2006

[font=Arial][color=darkred]How bad is 'Bless the Child'? How bad does bad get? Kim Basinger somehow forgets she actually won an Oscar for something good and takes up the mantle as a nurse or nun or whatever caring for a "special" child. But aren't they all special in their own way? The child is deemed "the one" and kidnapped by a religous cult led by better-actor-than-this Rufus Sewel. Jimmy Smits comes in somehow as an FBI agent specialized in the field of Satanism. I guess Mulder and Scully couldn't make the ride. There's a point in the film where Smits reveals that he entered the bureau so he could have an easier time stopping Satan and his minions. I dare you not to crack a smile from any of this. Is this the movies Jimmy smits left 'NYPD Blue' over? Hello David Caruso land.[/color][/font].

[font=Arial][color=darkred]The special effects are lame, the story is knee-high in contrivances and loop holes, and the acting is laughable. Christina Ricci has a small part as a reformed cultist that shouldn't even register if you pay attention - which requires more skill than you would believe. The dialogue in 'Bless the Child' is laughably bad along the lines of 'Battlefield Earth' smack yourself in the head. It's not as mind-numbingly horrible to sit through, but it's pure cheese no matter what sheep's skin it hides under.[/color][/font].

[font=Arial][color=darkred]Nate's Grade: D- [/color][/font].