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The Exorcism of Emily Rose - horror/sci-fi DVD review
The Exorcism of Emily Rose rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America curledupdvd.com rating: 3 1/2 stars
Actors: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Carpenter, Colm Feore
Director: Scott Derrickson   Studio: Sony Pictures
DVD release: 20 Dec. 2005   Runtime: 119 minutes (1 disc)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
DVD Features: Subtitles (English, French), Audio Tracks (English, Dolby Digital 5.1; French), Genesis of the Story, Casting the Film, Visual Design

Though not a high intensity (of even your typical blood-splattered gorefest) type of horror movie, anything with the word "exorcism" in the title will invariably beget comparison to the classic film The Exorcist. But this movie is a completely different animal, more an amalgamation of thriller and courtroom drama (heavy on the court proceedings) with the horror being ancillary. Based on the true story of a young German woman named Anneliese Michel, who suffered the same fate as Emily in the film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a straightforward, adult-oriented drama that doesn't take any real risks in the horror department.

The story centers on Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), who while attending college thinks she is possessed by demons. When all medical avenues have been pursued, Emily turns to faith. Enter Father Moore, who tried his best to exorcise Emily's demons but is jailed when she dies under his care. The majority of the movie is Erin Bruner's (Laura Linney) case against Father Moore(Tom Wilkinson). Though the courtroom dramatics and Moore's struggle with his beliefs are compelling - heck, even intriguing - the visceral scares and psychological terror don't amount to much more than a whole lot of screaming. Both Linney and Wilkinson are incredibly believable in their portrayals of their respective characters, but I had hoped for something more intensely visual with the horror component.

Still, the movie is solid throughout due to the excellent legal thriller and spiritual belief (or lack thereof) aspect of the movie. Those looking for the extreme shocks of The Exorcist will be disappointed, but those looking for a well-acted, adult-oriented horror/legal thriller will be thoroughly pleased.
 
   
 
   
reviewed by Bobby Blades
   
         
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