A must-see for film fans (but that doesn't mean you'll like it)

Rating: 5/10 (18 October 2001)

This movie defined horror in a whole new visual language, and for that reason it is a must see. The film actually has positive Christian messages to an extent, but there a lot of facts that are too misconstrued for this to be recommended as a Christian. Demon possessions and exorcisms are real but how the devil himself works is not in this manner. If evil were always so ugly and sinister, then so many people would stay away from it but that's not how it works. Keep in mind that this film was 'inspired' by a true story, not based on one. It is very fictitious, and more of a catholic vehicle than anything. Linda Blair actually shows promise as a young actress that never really developed. Max Von Sydow is wonderful in a limited amount of time. Ellen Burstyn does a good job, but really got on my nerves with her emotional outbursts. Like I said, see it at least once. Then pop in a cartoon or something to get it out of your mind.