Review of Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) by Rod G — 30 Oct 2013

A colossal misfire in terms of a franchise instalment, which is much easier to see now that we know the franchise continued, but not as worthless as the pundits make it out to be. In many way this a fascinating and ambitious project that dazzles as much as it disappoints, but ultimately the flaws are too distracting.

Principally, the convoluted plot with continues to grow labyrinthine and metaphysical, secondly, the slew of ideas offensive theologians, psychiatrists and Africans, topped of by the third, Burton's totally creepy and dubious characterization of a priest who takes teenage girls to his hotel room, punches them to in order save them and then whisks them away from their families in the night?!? Sure, these things all happen in a context but it does make for an uncompelling protagonist.

Final verdict: fascinating, at times glorious, but ultimately confusing and offensive. 3 out of 5 reflects the great disparities in this film.