The Rite
Watch Trailer
Interview with Colin O'Donoghue and Ciarán Hinds
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Starring: Alice Braga, Anthony Hopkins, Chris Marquette, Ciaran Hinds
Details: US/113mins 16
O'Donoghue is pensive twentysomething Michael Kovak. Looking to move out of his (funeral) home and away from the watchful eye of his overbearing father, his options are limited to either joining the family business or joining the priesthood. Going with the latter - purely for the paid-for college education - one of his teachers at college sees something in him and sends him off to Rome to learn the ways of the Exorcist. There, he meets Anthony Hopkins's eccentric demon-banisher, who is so used to sending the evil swines back to hell that he takes phone calls in the middle of sessions. Michael's cynicism is tested to the limit as he witnesses things that can't be explained using science.
Somewhat inexplicably slated by American critics, it's hard to know what they expected of The Rite. This is a film that tries to do something slightly different with a well-worn sub-genre; it pushes the characters to the fore, and hopes that the scares will come from there. Helmer Mikael Hafstrom builds things slowly and is all about the ominous, forgoing the spinning heads and trying to tackle the subject on a more fundamental level of faith. The film is based on a true story, so such an execution makes sense. The problem for some will be that the payoff borders more on 'creepy' than 'frightening'.
It's plain to see that Hopkins is really enjoying himself in the role of the experienced yet pragmatic priest. His exchanges with O'Donoghue, especially later on, are a lot of fun and the two offer a nice, if slightly distracting contrast in performance styles. O'Donoghue holds back, while Hopkins makes Linda Blair looks like she simply came down with a bad dose of PMS. That said, the ending is a little too neat; everything is wrapped up in a nice little bow, with too many unanswered questions.
The Rite doesn't have much in the way of ostentatious scares, which may disappoint hard-nut horror fans baying for blood. It is admirably subdued with a nice debut turn from O'Donoghue, however, which makes it worth a viewing.
Review by Mike Sheridan
Your Comments
Gary
Can't wait to see this one! I've been keeping my ear to the ground for last number of weeks after seeing the trailer. Anthony Hopkins at his very best. Star studded cast, set to be one not to be missed. Colin O Donoghue is really making strides at becomming one of the best actors around. If he keeps producing performances like this, he'll be one of the most sought after actors in hollywood. Cameo Role for Reutger Hauer (Ladyhawk, Batman Begins, Blade Runner)
Posted 10/12/2010 10:39:45
eimear
Cant wait to see this movie I love Anthony Hopkins no matter what hes in
Posted 25/02/2011 14:03:13
noel
A dreadfully boring piece of crap. Not even Anthony Hopkins can make it any better than a one star movie. Colin O Donoghue might be one to watch if he chooses his roles it a little more care than this.
Posted 05/03/2011 20:01:19
Oliver
Not a great movie and not up to Hopkins usual standard. silence of the lambs this is not! In parts like watching paint dry another hollywood stinker. Wait til it comes out on video save your euros
Posted 10/03/2011 12:11:04
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