Detective John Hobbs finds himself battling a formidable supernatural foe when a string of serial killings continue after the murderer dies in the gas chamber in this compelling thriller written by Nicholas Kazan and directed by Gregory Hoblit. Usually, I don't expect much from big-budget studio "horror" movies except special effects overkill. This film is a rare, pleasing exception that doesn't insult the intelligence of the audience. I really liked the script. It was rich and complex, even if, in retrospect, the misleading voice-over crossed the line. I was really expecting a lot more from writer Kazan after this film. Hard to believe all he's been able to deliver subsequently was "Homegrown," "Bicentennial Man" and "Enough." Enough indeed! As good as the script is, the film ultimately belongs to the actors. Denzel Washington is terrific, and it is great to see him backed up with talented supporting actors like Donald Sutherland, John Goodman, and a then-unknown James Gandolfini. Director Hoblit relaxes the pace enough at times to linger on their byplay, which gives the characters depth. Of course, all of that character development would have been wasted if the film didn't deliver, and it does. Don't expect any gore, but there is suspense galore. A fascinating and chilling film.
Review of Fallen
