Review of Deliver Us from Evil (2014) by Forrestgump1 — 30 Jul 2014

The term "Inspired by True Events" has been taken a bit extreme lately. Many fellow horror enthusiasts, such as myself, can agree to this. Films like; "The Conjuring", or "The Quiet Ones" use the term "Inspire" which is very loosely based on something that is somewhat accurate. The latest offender of this term; Scott Derrickson and his fright free flick "Deliver Us From Evil".

“Deliver Us From Evil” is a film that is cringeworthy and can give you a spike on the ole richter scale inside your body. However, It won’t keep you up late at night with nightmares if that is what you're wondering. That being said, at the end of the film’s lengthy two hour run-time, I felt the film dragged on to precariously in a sense to be taken seriously. Rather it settles in to smooth rhythm early on, then sells out for cheap scares that will make little girls scream, but anyone else feeling irritated.

The film opens with the promise “Inspired by true accounts of NYPD Sergeant Ralph Sarchie” Former altar boy turned, who is prone to a natural radar for danger, and trouble. After a dark night in the Bronx Zoo, Sarchie comes in contact with a possessed IRAQ vet. To which, Sarchie writes off as a lunatic. But once his wife (Olivia Munn) and daughter start hearing voices. This is where Father Mendoza (Ramirez) comes in and tests the boundaries of limitations.

The cast itself is top notch, featuring the plentiful-and terrifyingly real performance turned in by Eric Bana as the film chronicles his portrayal of NYPD Sergeant Ralph Sarchie and his accounts of paranormal entities and his journey for the truth. Bana owns the movie and walks with pride. In addition the Community alum, and righteous comedian Joel McHale turns in some dramatic roots as Sarchie’s wise-cracking partner Butler. McHale adds some much needed comedic relief when absolutely necessary. Sadly his charismatic charm, and character development goes nowhere. The real show stealer this time belongs to Edgar Ramirez as Mendoza, a priest with a notorious past that haunts him every day, but can channel his fear and anger through God. While Bana’s Sarchie can’t channel his rage (an ode to his earlier Hulk days?) The two perfectly balance off each other and prove a remarkable friendship that marks the films stronger attributes.

Obviously, with the good comes the ...well you know. With a title that distinctly calls itself “Deliver Us From Evil” I expected a little more. Not to mention our director Scott Derrickson, whose previous films include the taunt and edgy “Sinister” and of course a beloved classic “The Exorcism Of Emily Rose”. Nobody could argue he doesn’t know how to firmly grasp eerie backdrops and make you feel uncomfortable driving home late at night. But, the cheap thrills and gimmicks only make me question his credibility more. I wish that Derrickson took a more character approach (much like “Godzilla” did) and make us care more. Ralph Sarchie has a family on screen in the film, but its very rare when the audience actually see’s them. So to me, I just didn’t feel as emotionally connected. The ending is satisfying (especially for a horror film) Which was something I could appreciate, when most horror films (See “Oculus”) leave us high and dry and chomping at the bit. Derrickson screenplay at least left us with answers (probably because its loosely based on a true story).

Running close to two hours is a hard struggle..for any movie, let alone a self proclaimed-horror flick. There’s of course the occasional thought “Why is he going in the basement alone?!”, or “don’t go down there idiot!” , the same thoughts that come to mind watching ANY other horror flick. I can’t help but feel that these are the over dramatized sequences the film has to offer. And with a director like Derrickson, (just appointed as director of Marvel’s Doctor Strange) he set a bar for himself that obviously he couldn’t live up to.

I don’t wanna give the illusion I didn’t have a good time, because I did. There were moments I could feel the goosebumps linger up my body. There was less of that, then I wanted.. but they all can’t be “The Cabin In The Woods”. The film boasts with authentic performances all around the board, to which I was truly impressed. But, the latter is written..If the film had been more character driven, less gory, and more prone to it’s own plot-and shorter, then perhaps I would be writing a different review. Sadly “Deliver Us From Evil” comes exactly as advertised.. and I wish it didn’t.