Review of The Believers (1987) by Richard L — 14 May 2010
After the freak accidental death of his wife, cop psychiatrist Martin Sheen and his young son Harley Cross move to the big city of New York to start over. A routine session with newly-crazed cop Jimmy Smits reveals to Sheen an underground world of voodoo cults and killings that are linked throughout the city, involving child sacrifice, rich socialites, and even the endangerment of his own family.
The film also stars sexy Helen Shaver as Sheen's landlord and frequent shower of nudity (and boy does she look good), Robert Loggia as a head detective working with Sheen, and Harris Yulin as a corporate head honcho who knows a lot more about the voodoo murders than he's letting on.
The Believers is a fantastic thriller, with some great (for it's time) twists and turns, not to mention some fun special effects. Despite it being part of the 80's horror film boom, The Believers plays it very straight and as a result, is nowhere near as dated as its peers.
Hell, it looks a whole lot better than a lot of 90's or 2000's films. A great cast mixed with a great story and even better direction from the late John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy) makes this one of the classic thrillers.
It's no surprise that most voodoo films aren't exactly the best, but the Believers it top notch...I promise. Great watch.
This review of The Believers (1987) was written by Richard L on 14 May 2010.
The Believers has generally received mixed reviews.
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