Review of Fallen (1998) by Allen W — 27 Oct 2009

Dark and compelling films are hard to come across these days, well ones that are actually good mind you. While Fallen is not a great supernatural mystery it is a great crime drama at that and is exceedingly dark, compelling, emotional, smart, witty and almost sadistic.

Fallen is not your usual crime drama it delves into the supernatural and the soul of what evil really looks like and how it can infest and control people, while at first I did not take a liking to this film as it dealt with things that are not so easy to stomach. But after seeing it I feel much differently about this movie while not a great D.W. film it does have it's moments of really true emotional depth and character. Almost to the point that you feel for the characters and can sympathize for Denzel's , it's a sign that this film was well thought out in that department and with a great script, good direction and sometimes witty dialogue and an interesting premise elevates this film from average to great.

Denzel Washington (who turns in a fantastic performance as the smart and charismatic detective.) is nothing short of brilliant here. He takes a regular character to something amazing to watch onscreen it's truly fantastic. John Goodman(who is also amazing here.) Is fantastic and very funny at sometimes as Washington's partner and is another character and actor to admire in this film. But none the less the cast does an amazing job in this brilliant and dark film.

Fallen is not film greatness but it is a great mystery film to enjoy and marvel at the dark, sinister undertones that it has. It's a a good D.W. movie and can be enjoyed by fans of his and even his non fans of Denzel. But all in all Fallen delivers.