I know THE RITE has garnered some decent reviews here on the IMDb, but for the life of me I don't see why. It's an entirely predictable (i.e., Hollywood style) exorcism thriller that wastes the talents of an excellent cast in a story that's both plodding and predictable. We're off to Italy, of course, where a young priest is suffering a crisis of faith (of course) until he hooks up with an experienced exorcist and the pair embark on some gruelling adventures.
It sounds intriguing but but really, THE RITE isn't. The usual demonic possession clichés are all here, although they're toned down a bit and not explicit (and having had my fill of demonic nastiness in the likes of the EVIL DEAD remake and others, I'm not upset about that). But everything that happens is so obvious and largely uninteresting that it's impossible to get excited or indeed interested in. The story constantly feels pedestrian instead of innovative.
Anthony Hopkins puts in his usual solid performance, although I felt a bit sorry for him with the role he's been given here; it's a far cry from his former glory days. Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds, and Rutger Hauer prop up the supporting cast in various roles, but they're given little to do and way too much of the screen time goes to the bland likes of Colin O'Donoghue and Alice Braga.
It sounds intriguing but but really, THE RITE isn't. The usual demonic possession clichés are all here, although they're toned down a bit and not explicit (and having had my fill of demonic nastiness in the likes of the EVIL DEAD remake and others, I'm not upset about that). But everything that happens is so obvious and largely uninteresting that it's impossible to get excited or indeed interested in. The story constantly feels pedestrian instead of innovative.
Anthony Hopkins puts in his usual solid performance, although I felt a bit sorry for him with the role he's been given here; it's a far cry from his former glory days. Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds, and Rutger Hauer prop up the supporting cast in various roles, but they're given little to do and way too much of the screen time goes to the bland likes of Colin O'Donoghue and Alice Braga.