Deliciously stylish and effective thriller

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2006)

Keanu Reeves isn't really the man you look up when you want good acting or diverse characters(he did do excellent work in The Gift, mind you); however, here, he manages to hand in a fairly decent performance... and the better part of the main cast here are very impressive. Pacino is a given, as is, to some extent, Theron, but I was surprised(happily so) by both T. Nelson and Jones. The plot is interesting and involving, and the way it develops is great. The pacing is very good, I was hardly ever bored, despite it being a bit over usual feature film length in running time. The film is laced with style, and it works wonderfully to the film's advantage. The characters are well-written and credible. The film contains a select few grand parodying references to Rosemary's Baby and Scarface. Pacino is, quite literally, on fire. He's simply marvelous as The Dark Prince. The score is magnificent. The cinematography and editing are top-notch. The film is thoroughly entertaining, filled to the brink with suspense and, while somewhat moralizing near the end, highly satirical as far as religion goes. I recommend it to any fan of the actors, thrillers and/or the subject matter. Highly recommendable, and very watchable. 8/10