Visually Terrifying

Rating: 8/10 (10 December 2002)

I was not alive when "The Exorcist" came out in theaters. However I was blessed with the good fortune of being able to experience the film in theater when "The Version You haven't seen" came out a few years ago. This stands as the greatest movie theater experience of my life (barring a Texas Chainsaw Massacre or 2001 Space Odyssey Re-Release). The plot isn't as terrifying for non- strict Catholics I guess, but this is still a great film. Every single frame in the movie is visually spine-chilling. Even the scene where Father Karras is running on the track has no in-the-face cursing or demonizing, but just the scene itself is cold and creepy. THe whole movie has that 'cold' feeling. (I urge anyone with the DVD and a good sized TV to turn out all the lights, and turn off your heat in the winter time. curl up in a blanket and watch this film.) Most people trash this as cheesy and laughable, but if you just see it as a visual piece of art you'll be impressed. I never really believed I or someone will be possessed, but I will honestly say I have had a nightmare about that devil face they show for a split second 3 times during the film. The re-release version has some added scenes, but either way this is quality. I 'll give it an 8...not for being scary necessarily, but for being visually masterful. See it.