BewlayBrother's Replies


I actually like the history of demonic possessions in the church (Father Bennett is a great character for me; Mouse too). Those scenes with the chained integrated nun with all the candles were fascinating (and creepy). But yeah, the last episode with the possessed Andy was stupid. Extremely cliched and they all were saved by magic coincidences (Verity's experience with untying ropes? What the hell?). It could be possible that killing teenagers was too radical and the writers couldn't figure out what to do to replace that fatalistic ending. The itchiness was mysterious but it could be a physical manifestation of her emotional problems and alienation. I don't understand it. I watched it with my parents and they're not exactly experts in cinema (art films or whatever). We were glued to our seats; there was great survival drama and special effects to keep us on edge in the right times. It is slow-paced (not that much though) but it is not like there's no action. We always felt curious to what Redford would be doing. Maybe watching it in company is a better experience? It's possible. I agree. It needed better writing; some original ideas to give it a new spin. That film-like camera movement and the image of that guy singing with that operatic virtuoso voice... I just burst into laughing with that scene! Only The Simpsons had made me laugh before! I loved these stunts. I like physical comedy and they did it great with a frantic rhythm... I think they turn the ordinary sitcom format and gave it a fabulous spin. Too bad they got bad criticism for them... I also didn't like it that much but it's far from the worst. Also, now it's very well-known that in a lot international and art-house films the plot or story is not really that important. You shouldn't be expecting, in these times, every film to be narrative. It's more about what the director is saying: is there something philosophical in the movie? What are the characters going through? What's the conclusion? Etc. Besides, there's a lot going on here in terms of story. That being said, I didn't feel engaged with the film in the middle, the first half hour was very strong, with a lot of movement and exploration in the jungle (and those rapids). The last 15 minutes were also very good. Then the pacing and acting turned a little weird (a little editing would have helped). There were also some weird comedic scenes (but I must say they were funny, though you could say they added the "campy" quality to the film). You also should acknowledged how good the film turned out with a extremely low budget, many extras, non-actors, filming in the jungle and some improvisation. I think a second watching with a more opened mind (and getting used to the production value) would benefit the experience. 7/10.