Review of The Rite (2011) by Canisrah — 03 Jun 2011

This film was always going to divide opinion. It's hard to tackle religion, theology and the prospect of demons and angels without arguments breaking out between believers and nonbelievers. As one who saw the film seeking entertainment and diversion - I can say I found it immensely entertaining.

Indeed, I'm really quite astonished at just how violently the critics are canning this. The mood is excellent, the setting is divine, the cinematography immersive and the characters well rounded and believable.

In addition, the demonic possession scenes don't stoop to spinning heads and climbing on ceilings to enhance the scare, but rely also upon well written dialogue which tends to be as thought provoking as it is mildly disturbing.

Hopkins is magnificent, as per usual. All in all, it's probably the best movie of it's kind I've ever seen, critics be damned (if you'll pardon the pun).