However, I found THE POPE’S EXORCIST entertaining and very scary. Cinematography, background music and special effects stand out in this latest motion picture about exorcism.   

And fortunately, Crowe’s supporting cast members give him great support, especially newcomer Peter DeSouza Feighoney as the victim youngster and Daniel Lovatto as the priest who helps with the exorcism. Franco Nero also earns mention for his brief but impressive appearances as the concerned Pope. In addition, Alex Essoe and Laurel Marsden as Peter’s mother and sister add just the right emotional performances.     

An exorcist draws demons out.

That’s what this film is all about.

   A priest working for Pope you see

tries hard to solve the mystery

of why a demon is in Henry.

a boy tortured without mercy.

Russell Crowe plays the exorcist.

Italian accent sometimes missed.

But otherwise he’s on the ball

challenging the demon and all.   

Special effects work wonders here

while scaring us into great fear!

But that’s the fun of films like this.

So fans you should not dare to miss. 

I should mention that the plot of THE POPE’S EXORCIST is quite complicated. It covers more than one exorcism and includes strange things happening in an old rundown Spanish Abbey as well as actions that might cause the fall of the Vatican if Father Amorth doesn’t succeed with his important mission.

The plot also sets up everything needed for a sequel. No wonder Crowe decided to come on board with this project based on the writings of Amorth, a real person. I admit not recognizing Crowe until the final scene. He is that good here. I especially enjoyed the way he convinces us that Amorth also has a sense of humor. “The devil doesn’t like jokes,” he explains. .

If you enjoy exorcist movies, other films you might like include: THE EXORCIST, THE EXORCIST 2, THE EXORCIST 3, THE LAST EXORCISM, and THE CONJURING franchise. They all intrigue me even though I don’t believe in this frightening religious process.      

Possession and exorcism is something that’s in every religion and culture. It’s a real primal fear: Is the body a vessel for our spirits? – Eli Roth  

(Released by Nefflix and rated “R” by MPAA)  

DIRECTOR: Julius Avery

WRITERS: Michael Petroni, Evan Spiliotopoulos, R. Dean McCreary