The Exorcist - 1, 2 and 3 [Box Set] [DVD]

One of the best horror films there is. The film conveys a certian atmosphere, that changes throughout the movie. The fact that it looks real and to some extent feels real, mixed with the surrealism and spritualism. This then gives the feeling of shock and unease. I feel it sways from being a horror film to a thriller as the scene between Chris MacNeil and Lt. Kinderman would suggest. Overall that sense realism, a excellent script and superb acting make this film so fasinating to watch. THE EXORCIST never seems to age because of those factors.

EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC

John Boormans's EXORCIST II is a vey bizzare movie to watch, as this never really is a horror film althought it does have its moments. It has a futuristic quality to it, such as the dream and hypnotic sequences. Which explains Father Merrin's past and how he encountered the demon Pazuzu. The film also shows how Merrin died in THE EXORCIST, and the fact that he was a heretic. The special effects in this film are imperessive. The exorcism of the Africian boy was excellent, but Boorman and Lederer do not come close to the realism of Friedkin's and writer/producer Blatty's original.

THE EXORCIST III

William Peter Blatty directed this film which was based on his book LEGION. This film is excellent thriller. As the plot overall has a connection with the original. Blatty creates a perfect sense of dread and unease much like THE EXORCIST. The use of lighting is perfect in this film, it doesn't seem unreal rather surreal, there is a difference. Blatty's shock tactics are fast and well done. Overall a film that grips and shocks you. This film is has that same shocking feeling of the first. A brillant sequal.

THE EXORCIST DVD packed full of features. Such as "The Fear Of God" Documentary. EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC has two trailers and alternate opening. THE EXORCIST III has a trailer.

One of the strengths of this film is that it strips away all rational explanation for Regan's behaviour until only the supernatural is left- the word 'exorcism' is only mentioned after an hour. The small things keep developing (rats in the attic, Regan's behaviour at the party) until we reach the true horror of her condition. And yet it's not just about Regan; this film is called 'The Exorcist' for a reason. The demon wants to get to Merrin to resume where they left off, telling Father Karras it would like an exorcism 'intensely' and yelling Merrin's name when he's entered downstairs... Visually and audibly it is compelling, with very little gore thrown about the place by some standards. (Alas! The projectile vomiting just doesn't cut the mustard!)And if you want to bring Christian attitudes to the film, that's fine, but you are not obliged to. You can view it on any number of levels. All in all, a fun film for all the family!

Exorcist II- Time for a confession. Had this film been any better, I'd have given the set four stars. However, I like bad films quite a lot, and Exorcist II is a failure both as a stand-alone film and put into context. It runs rampant over continuity (for example, it is discovered that Regan still has the demon inside her, completely negating the moving climax of the first film) and it is loaded with dodgy plot details, blatant symbolism, laughable dialogue and Richard Burton standing there sweating. I do not lie. He generally just stands there doing nothing but sweat. In one eight minute sequence the camera cuts to him over twenty-five times doing nothing. And the rest of the acting is not up to much either. Put simply, it doesn't move you, or make you think, or scare you. You just laugh at it. Which is perfect for me, but caveat emptor...

Exorcist III- well, it doesn't say very much to call this better than 'Exorcist II', but it's rather good. Kinderman, the detective from 'The Exorcist', is investigating a group of murders copying the methods of an executed criminal called the Gemini killer. The investigation leads him to a lunatic asylum where one inmate tells him he's the Gemini killer- and the inmate bears a striking resemblance to the late Father Karras... Good acting, surprisingly good plot (it doesn't disintegrate half as much as it easily could have done!), but the dialogue is not always the most natural. Again, little gore (I don't like gore- can you tell?). The effect is all that's needed, such as with the killing of the nurse or the murder in the confessional- we just see a pool of blood on the floor slide gently into the frame... Unfortunately Father Morning is an unecessary character who does nothing and shouldn't really be there dramatically, and the climax jars a little in execution, even when the film isn't put in context. It's also a little slow in places, but is nowhere near the car crash that some make it out to be. On its own, I'd give it three stars.

But since the box set contains both 'The Exorcist' and 'Exorcist II', 'Exorcist III' is pretty much just icing on the cake. The average is dragged up, especially since you can't yet get the sequels separately on DVD in England.