Review of Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) by Quinto W — 05 Nov 2010

I feel like I have to defend this film a bit (Note: 'a bit' and not 'a lot'). It's far from the worst or most disappointing sequel I've ever seen (just off the top of my head I'm recalling the Matrix "Trilogy", as in it was one great film that made money, so two more had to be made).

I guess I have to begin by saying that it in no way resembles the original; it's more of a mystery/triller than the Great Granddaddy of Horror (if not a granddaddy, than at least a rich uncle...).

It does pick up where the first left off, sort of, as Father Lamont (Burton) is sent to investigate the death of Father Merrin (von Sydow) at the hands of Regan (Blair) and Michael Bay... ah, I mean, the Devil (Satan).

Actually, in the sequel, it is revealed that Regan was possessed by the "Demon of Flight" or some crap like that (Air Canada anyone?); the name is Bazsusu I think (if not, that's pretty close and it doesn't make one bit of difference if I'm wrong-same shit right or wrong).

Ft (how the fawk do you abbreviate Father?) Merrin's writings on exorcisms has brought him under the attack of the Pope, or some other complaining bastard, who alleges that Merrin's writings border on Heretic! Oh dear! Enter Ft.

Lamont, played by Richard Burton in one of the true over-the-top performances you or I shall ever see; Burton brings all his stage and Shakespearian background to a John Boorman film... That can't be right, can it? Can you imagine Ned Beaty getting raped by a Shakespearian quoting hillbilly in Deliverance?? Jesus.

.. Anyway, back to the game, Ft. Lamont travels to meet Regan who is now in the care of (insert person here) as her mother, last played by Ellen Burstyn (who obviously wanted nothing to do with this flick), is conveniently on vacation.

Everything seems fine right? Has the makings of an interesting murder mystery, huh? Well, apparently, some people were not too fond of the the "accuracy" of in the depiction of psychological methods used in the film; as Regan sees a shrink (Fletcher) every week and they used a 'synchronizer' to connect their minds to one another.

.. Ya, and that's probably not the most far fetched thing in the film. Personally, when watching the film, I felt like the screenplay would have been an awesome read, but it just doesn't translate to the screen very well, as it tends to get pretty silly (bordering on ridiculous at times).

It's definitely a movie to approach with an open mind; if you're expecting anything like the original, don't even bother turning it on. What I like most about the film is that it expands on the Exorcist story, making it almost mythological, and really has peaked my interest in seeing the sequels (hell, I'll suffer through sequels for the greater good of the overall story!).

Is it a 3/10 movie? I don't think so, as I honestly think it is above average--just a little silly.