MOVIE REVIEW - The Last Exorcism

The number one movie this week at the box office was The Last Exorcism.

This is a movie that is filmed in much the same fashion as Cloverfield, or Paranormal Activity. You know, with a hand held camera. Where the camera person is actually in the movie. TLE is a fictional story that lasts a mere 82 minutes, and in this case it's one of its strengths.

It is the story of a young Louisiana preacher who has made a living seemingly duping his way through his ministry. As we meet him, he is filming a documentary of sorts about his life and his story. He decides to perform and film an exorcism on a 16 year old girl from extreme rural Louisiana. Trouble is, the original is a fake. He basically stages this holy event, and gets it all on film. He gladly takes a ton of money from the young girls father and in his film, makes fun of the whole scheme. Then the twist. The girl IS actually possessed it seems. Or someone is, and things turn horribly wrong.

With that story line said, it should be noted right up front, this movie is not for everyone. It deals with demons, and demonic possession and if that makes you uncomfortable or is offensive to your value system, you'll want to steer clear from this movie. Also, it shares that herky-jerky camera motion much like the Blair Witch Project, and Paranormal Activity. If that makes you queasy or motion sick, again you'll want to stay away. That's the whole movie.

This movie has the look at first as a real clunker. But to its credit, it does build a compelling story line as it rolls on. Although it does become somewhat predictable, and a bit formula at the end, The Last Exorcism stands in there and doesn't veer off into the lousy movie abyss. But to be fair, this is not and Oscar winner either. Young audiences may find this scary, and fun to go to in packs especially to later showings. But to be square, this movie is not very scary for most. But to it's credit, at only 82 minutes, it gets out and doesn't belabor its point and we can all go home.

The Last Exorcism. For some this will be a hit. For others, just another attempt at a scary movie.