MovieChat Forums > Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005) Discussion > Between Dominion and Beginning, There Is...

Between Dominion and Beginning, There Is a Good Film

posted 19 years ago by EnzoGorlomi
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If only we could splice these two films together some how there would be a suburb film. Unfortunately, we're left with two films, neither of which live up to their potential.

That said, I enjoyed Dominion slightly (and I mean slightly) more than Beginning, but in the end I'm left still somewhat disapointed.

THINGS I LIKED FROM BEGINNING:
Stellan Skarsgård.
Izabella Scorupco.
The opening sequence.
The two sides going nuts and killing eachother (not for the violence, but for the meaning).
Merrin was definately the featured character.
Giant upside-down cross.
Great cinematography.

THINGS I HATED FROM BEGINNING:
Izabella Scorupco turning out to be possessed.
The "fight" between Merrin and Pazuzu.
Bad CG.
Cheesy interaction between Merrin and Pazuzu.
Big plot holes regarding who is possessed.

THINGS I LIKED FROM DOMINION:
Stellan Skarsgård.
Gabriel Mann.
Billy Crawford.
The cows eating hyenas.

THINGS I HATED FROM DOMINION:
The film doesn't ever really seem to focus on a lead character which is confusing.
The horrible "Aurora" effects.
Clara Bellar = Horrible.
The tribe leader. Reminded me of the tribe chief from the "Air Up There."
Some rather bad plot holes. Example: Merrin goes to the church to Exorcise Cheche. We see the tribe going to kick some British butt. We already know the Brits are waiting to kill them. Next day, everyone is hunky dory.
Clara Bellar. Yes, she deserves double the mention.
Not the best camera work.

Ah, those are the only things I can think of as of right now.

Gozer the Destructor, the Traveler, has come! Choose and perish!

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] BoogiewithStu 19 years ago

I agree. Combine them and it would be one of my favorites. Here's my list:

Beginning:
Pros:
1.suspense - yes, some cheap scares, but still had you at the edge of your seat
2.demonic vs human evil - this movie shows us that humans are capable of evil just as scary, if not more, than demons. Ex. - war, Nazis, creepy sex fiend guy.
3.It wasted no time showing that Merrin had lost his faith, then took their time explaining why. That scene was so intense, it belongs farther in the movie, not right at the beginning.
4.Merrin regaining his faith at the end and preparing for battle
5.Church and cavern set - very cool
6.I didn't mind the twist - it was one of those "oh, sh-t" moments.
7.Use of the original demon statue

Cons:
1. Exorcism - tried too hard to liken it to the original. The demon also looked like it was running on a treadmill during that last charge at Merrin. That could have been done much better.
2.basically making the demon too powerful - opening sequence, havak at the end. This should have been more between Merrin and the demon, not much more.

Dominion
Pros:
1.People feeling trapped by guilt and regret and feeling unforgiven is a great evil. As well as "just not caring". I loved Merrin's personal battle with the demon.
2.No cliche exorcism stuff

Cons:
1.lack of suspense - creepiness yes, suspense no
2.everything ends too easily - exorcism, army conflict, Merrin's coming to faith
3.wastes no time showing how he lost his faith, but we don't know that he lost his faith until much later.