Movie Review: ‘The Rite’

This week earned another unimpressive film to add to 2011’s so-far abysmal cinematic roster with the release of “The Rite.” Not even Anthony Hopkins impressive acting repertoire and dynamic talent could save “The Rite” from critical damnation.

The “inspired by a true story” film’s opening weekend pulled in a meager $15 million, with its chief competition being “The Mechanic,” which debuted at only $11.5 million. In fact, last week’s release of “No Strings Attached” still grossed a higher box office profit than Jason Statham’s newest action flop.

The beginning of “The Rite” lent the movie more promise than it really should have afforded. The audience was introduced to Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue) in a role that is not -so-different from the lead character in the original 1973 film “The Exorcist.” He runs away from his life and family towards the Catholic seminary, where he discovers after four years that he has lost his faith. But, when the Father Superior of his college suggests that Michael go to the Vatican to study exorcism, he grudgingly agrees.

“The Rite” had me gripped at this point. I was excited to see a character without faith learn about exorcism from an experienced priest, Father Lucas Trevant (Hopkins). The relationship between the two contrasting men could have been expanded upon, but it seemed like the last half of the movie was rushed through without considering that factor. Once the actual demonic spirits were introduced, the film truly lost its creative spark – and it never got it back. After the initial buildup of the plot, “The Rite” relied on the modern technique of frightening its audiences with flashy gimmicks and special effects. Fleeting images, contorted bodies and demonic voices just don’t do it for today’s horror movie lovers.

To be truly successful, a scary movie has to put the audience in the twisted head of a film’s demons. Directors who achieve a lasting impression rely much more on the audience being scared of itself than being jolted by a quick image and dour soundtrack.

This understanding is why the original “Exorcist” still firmly holds its place leagues above its competition in critical acclaim and true legacy. Though it certainly had the blood, gore and profanity of any modern-day horror movie, the psychological impact of the film was stronger than any of its graphic scenes.

Speaking of classic horror movies, what happened to Anthony Hopkins’s eerie chill that he delivered in his “Hannibal” movies? Though no one expects another performance on the level of “Silence of the Lambs,” Hopkins has not delivered an even half-decent movie in several years. As a reminder, some of his most recent cinematic endeavors include “The Wolfman” and “Beowulf.” Woof.

The bottom line: you know what to expect from “The Rite.” If you want to go to the movies and be jolted instead of terrified, this is the movie for you. But, if you’re a normal frugal college student, you don’t need to be bothered with this one. Instead of going to the theater or even waiting to get it from the Red Box, just go get your hands on a copy of “The Exorcist.” If you haven’t seen the original before, make sure to turn off the lights one night and watch it with a friend. It will offer everything that “The Rite” has and more.

Grade: C

Posted by Ryan Del Campo on Feb 3 2011. Filed under Features, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.