Priest
Director: scott charles stewart
Starring: Cam Gigandet, Christopher Plummer, Karl Urban, Maggie Q, Paul Bettany
Details: US/TBC TBC
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a war between vampires and humanity has long finished, Bettany's priest was a former soldier who helped open cans of whoop ass on the aforementioned fanged bastards. See, in this world, Priests and Soldiers are pretty much the same thing - and when the war ended, the clergymen didn't have a whole lot to do, other than pray and brood. Bettany finds something to do with his time, however, when his family are attacked by a group of vampires. He defies the orders of his superiors and heads off to find the nocturnal carnivores responsible.
There seems to be a trend with 3D action features at the moment which makes it difficult to distinguish figures during night time sequences. You could have the best hand-to-hand combat sequence ever filmed, and you wouldn't be able to tell. It's probably a good thing, then, that Priest's action - which is really its main selling point - is flat and lacks penetration. You can forgive many things when the plot is contrived and the characters ridiculous, once the film you're making is fundamentally entertaining (Taken, The A-Team... Generally the latter part of Liam Neeson's career) - but Priest is just plain silly.
Bettany would be great in a Jason Bourne-type role, i.e. One which requires an imposing presence and genuine physicality. But after this and his last bash at action, Legion (he's working with the same director here), he may have blown his final chance at headlining such a franchise. Director Stewart showed promise with Legion; the film wasn't great, but he was good with the ensemble cast and the concept was solid. Similarly, Priest has a cracking concept, but an awful script and stilted performances. Bettany never stood a chance with this dialogue, while Urban and Gigandet come off even worse. The only actor that looks remotely comfortable is Maggie Q.
There are some decent special effects, but paying to see this, especially in 3D, would simply be a waste of both time and money.
Review by Mike Sheridan
Your Comments
Coburnn
I have to say after reading reviews of this movie I was expecting to be mildly entertained for an hour or two. I was wrong,alright I did laugh during the introduction but I have to disagree with a lot of the reviews out there with this movie. Of the six of us who went to the movie all six came out having enjoyed the movie. For the first time in a long time the 3D effects here were actually surprising. The depth seen during some scenes was beautiful, I actually found myself thinking "wow this movie did not just tag on the 3D title". Don't go see this movie if your sick of all the vampire hype. The script is decent but its not going to blow you away. This movie does deserve a little more credit than its receiving, though if your a fan of the genre it should definitely go on your list.
Posted 09/05/2011 00:31:09
fox
I really enjoyed this movie .The 3d effects were good and leaves it open for a part two,so I hope the next one is as good
Posted 11/05/2011 20:13:18
Edward
I fail to see the point in screening a movie in 3d unless its going to add to the viewing experience, recently i seen Thor in 3d and found the background detail somewhat mis-matched, Avatar set the bar high, agreed, but should'nt all the ensuing movies be striving to meet this standard? Since Avatar, Jackass 3d has been the only 3d movie that warranted my cash simply because the 3d was actually what you'd expect, theres a lot to be said for 2d movies, you get what you pay for.
Posted 12/05/2011 16:01:29
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