Well, hmm....What to say...

Rating: Null/10 (28 May 2000)

Don't you hate when you really love a movie, and you think it's amazing and enthralling, and then read a really negative review for it? Doesn't it make you think, "Oh, what do you know!"? That's what it does to me. For example, I'm a huge "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" fan, and I hate when people say it's a cheesy b-movie about a guy with a chainsaw chasing some dumb blonde who can't stop screaming. That's NOT all that movie has to offer.

What's my point?
Well, I am just saying that so you won't be angered when I say I didn't like "The Exorcist." (In other words, I can appreciate the movie for what it is, so don't think I'm being mean.) I mean, there were some scary parts, yes. Well, creepy parts, at least. But the pace was so slow, and took it's damn time to get going!
There were some okay points. Some atmosphere. The suspense was built well when the screams of the devil would be coming from Regan, and Chris would run to check to see what the hell was going on. And the ending was pretty good. But there are a lot of bad points. To me, not a lot was explained. What was the point of the first ten minutes, in Iraq? I honestly didn't get it. And why was Regan being possessed? I just wasn't seeing the connection in some things. And how did her head spin around, and her neck not break? And if it did, how could she still be alive by the end? (That is not a spoiler! We all know there's a sequel, with Regan.) Sure, some of you may think, "You think 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'is a great movie, what do you know about cinema?!" But that's a battle of what is scary and what isn't.
A few more comments would go to the possessed Regan's almost comic demeanor. Her devilish self said a lot of funny things, and was pretty amusing. Still, Linda Blair did a good job in her role, and was impressive. Ellen Burstyn was a bit hammy at times, but still quite strong and moving. Jason Miller did quite well in his role, and I thought he did quite well. And of course, the music was pretty good, if a bit sparse in showing up, and it seemed to show up all of the sudden, then fade off really quickly. I think this could have taken the "Halloween" approach and used it's great music for some much needed atmosphere at the dull scenes. (And there are many.)
Still, to be a true horror fan, I guess you have to see this movie, so I do recommend it. To see if you like it. And if anything, there's always "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," a true experience in unrelenting terror.