Religion based horror movies have long been one of cinema's staples, and while that sub-genre is massively overpopulated; The Prophecy represents a more than decent entry in the cycle. The film reunites Pulp Fiction cast members Christopher Walken, Amanda Plummer and Eric Stoltz, and that's quite apt as this film is like a pulp fiction bible story. I dread to think what god fearing folk make of this movie, as we have popular bible figures such as Gabriel and Lucifer spitting out crass one liners and getting involved in punch-ups. Things like this make the film hard to take seriously, but it's also deliriously entertaining and the plot offers more than enough thought-provoking elements to keep the film ticking over nicely. The story follows a war in heaven, which was kicked off by the way that God decided to give souls to humans and not angels. The soul of an evil war general is the Holy Grail, and the Angel Gabriel has come to Earth in order to claim it. However, fellow angel Simon has had other ideas and has taken it upon himself to hide the soul from Gabriel.
The cast is the film's main strongpoint. I'm not a big fan of films like this, but I had to see this one simply because it has Christopher Walken playing Gabriel. Walken plays the character a lot like he would a mob boss and it really works rather well as he ensures that every moment he is on screen is a treat, and of course, his screen presence is immense. The talented Virginia Madsen takes a lead role and finds herself paired up with the weak link of the cast, Elias Koteas who is flat and hard to like in his starring role. A pre-fame Viggo Mortensen delivers a memorable performance in the coveted role of the Devil and the central cast is rounded off by the charismatic Eric Stoltz. The story moves well, and it's real strongpoint is the way that it gives you enough to think about during the less exciting scenes by way of it's many plot points. The situation is brought to the screen well, and Gregory Widen's screenplay is good enough to ensure that every character is given enough screen time for us to get to know who they are. The special effects are fine and the film is well directed by Widen in his only feature film director's role. This film is, perhaps, not for everyone; but its good enough entertainment and I enjoyed it.
The cast is the film's main strongpoint. I'm not a big fan of films like this, but I had to see this one simply because it has Christopher Walken playing Gabriel. Walken plays the character a lot like he would a mob boss and it really works rather well as he ensures that every moment he is on screen is a treat, and of course, his screen presence is immense. The talented Virginia Madsen takes a lead role and finds herself paired up with the weak link of the cast, Elias Koteas who is flat and hard to like in his starring role. A pre-fame Viggo Mortensen delivers a memorable performance in the coveted role of the Devil and the central cast is rounded off by the charismatic Eric Stoltz. The story moves well, and it's real strongpoint is the way that it gives you enough to think about during the less exciting scenes by way of it's many plot points. The situation is brought to the screen well, and Gregory Widen's screenplay is good enough to ensure that every character is given enough screen time for us to get to know who they are. The special effects are fine and the film is well directed by Widen in his only feature film director's role. This film is, perhaps, not for everyone; but its good enough entertainment and I enjoyed it.