Welcome one and all to part 36 of my weekly blog, The 52 in 52. The concept is simple, each week I pick a film from my varied collection of DVDs and Blu Rays and review it. Last week I reviewed the fantastic remake of the Stephen King classic, Pet Sematary, head on over and check that out.
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This week I will be talking about The Exorcist 3. Now I know I'm not the biggest advocate for sequels but, I was intrigued about this one. Released in 1990, The Exorcist 3 was directed by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the original Exorcist novel as well as the novel that the film was based on Legion. The story is set 17 years after the original and follows the events of William Kinderman (George C Scott) as he investigates a spate of murders that fit in with similar murders committed around the time of the first Exorcist film by the Gemini killer (Brad Dourif). Events unfold that become increasingly bizarre and all to similar for Kinderman where he is faced with his old friend Father Karras (Jason Miller).
I must admit I was a little sceptical to say the least when I began watching The Exorcist 3 but, it was actually a pretty decent film. Is it as good as The Exorcist ? not really but, the original is in my top 5 favourite films so it would be hard to judge it fairly. The tone and style of The Exorcist 3 is very different from the original and I feel that it reflects the change in times. The original came in a time where horror wasn't really mainstream and it shocked a lot of people. Exorcist 3 was released in a time where horror was a well trodden path and blood and grit were more popular than over the top fantastical horror.
At the heart of the film is a really well written crime thriller, a supernatural whodunnit that focuses less on the religious aspects of the story but, they are still there. There is a really impact full opening scene set in the cathedral that is very similar to the opening storm scene of the original. The relationship between Kinderman and Father Dyer was entertaining, bickering like an old married couple but, I felt it was over far too quickly for me to really enjoy it.
The confrontations between Kinderman and the possessed Karras are really great. They layer on the tension and performances by both Jason Miller and Brad Dourif are entertaining and terrifying for all of the right reasons. The finale unfolds in a brutal and horrifying way that really brings the original and third film together and rounds the whole story arc off nicely.
Overall The Exorcist 3 is a decent entry in the often spotty franchise. The story is a continuation but, feels like a very different film. The pacing and story is a little strange at times but, from what I understand, the film was cut and re cut due to studio interference. The Exorcist is a really satisfying film and really feels like a brilliant ending to the story.
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