Armageddon (Angelbound Origins #7)
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Years have passed since Myla Lewis last fought gladiator-style in Purgatory's Arena. Now, she’s...
Young Adult Fantasy
Steal the Day
10.0
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When a member of her crew is dragged to Hell by a demon, Zoey plans the most dangerous heist of her...
Sex, Lust & Lingerie (Secrets And Lies #2)
10.0
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Jaime: She's on her knees. Gloria Long. Begging for me. I'm the man who rules her. I'm...
Winter Warriors
10.0
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The prophecy was clear. Upon the death of three kings the world will be plunged into chaos, and all...
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated The Exorcist (1973) in Movies
Oct 17, 2019
The Exorcist on stage – Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 16/10/19
It’s my number one film of all-time so naturally I approached this production with some caution. Any stage adaptations of films have to be stripped down for obvious reasons and with The Exorcist having some key technical moments I was eager to see how they achieved them or even included them at all.
There’s a very clever build-up to the show with a steady drone of religious chanting and indecipherable voices, whispers and moans which stay with you before a massive crack rips through the sound system and the theatre is plunged into total darkness. It’s quite unsettling and there were a lot of nervous giggles and squeaks in the audience. A light appears at the top of the stage set and Father Merrin (played by Paul Nicholas, yes him of 80’s sitcom ‘Just Good Friends’ fame and one-time pop star) appears, speaks a few lines which we couldn’t hear at all and then promptly disappears and the stage lights reveal the MacNeil household below where Chris MacNeil and her daughter Regan. They obviously have a close bond and the next few minutes is spent establishing this and introducing the character of Burke, a film director and friend of actress Chris, who provides some occasional comedy touches. There are scenes of Regan playing with a Ouija board which she discovers in the attic. This is the first introduction of the demon that Regan refers to as Captain Howdy. Unlike the film, we hear the demon speaking in the early stages of Regan’s possession. The demon’s voice is provided by (a pre-recorded) Sir Ian McKellen and his performance is brilliant despite it sounding nothing like Mercedes McCambridge in the original.
At this stage we have lost one of the key characters and if you know the story well you will know who this is. As Reagan’s behaviour deteriorates, we are introduced to various doctors and psychiatrists before a priest friend of Chris suggests she talks to Father Karras, a key character in The Exorcist. When Karras first meets Regan she is in her bed, restrained by straps and speaking in the demon’s voice. Susannah Edgeley as Regan does a magnificent job lip-synching to McKellen’s voice, she does not miss a beat and her performance overall steals the show.
Father Karras is not convinced that an exorcism is the answer but, as we know, events take a turn for the worse and a frail Father Merrin is summoned for a showdown with the demon, which is the show’s dramatic (and loud) finale.
If you are wondering if all of The Exorcist’s key moments are included in the stage show I can confirm that most of them are, even if they don’t appear in the same scenes in the film. So, the crucifix scene is present and correct, though not so bloody and graphic. Regan’s head spin is there, achieved by what you might describe as a Penn & Teller trick but it is surprisingly effective. Regan does vomit during the exorcism but the classic scene of her projectile vomiting over Karras isn’t there, probably a step too far for a stage show. There is no levitation in the exorcism but there is a clever effect where Regan is catapulted forward on the bed, as if pushed forward by the demon. It’s all very impressive stuff.
The Exorcist on stage is very good, fans of the film will enjoy picking up on the original dialogue and dissecting the new lines and plotline. Some characters from the film don’t appear at all, the key one being Lieutenant Kinderman (played by Lee J. Cobb in the film) which I was a little disappointed about. My main issues were with the sound on occasions, particularly not hearing the actors deliver their lines clearly but it was a minor niggle. The character of Burke Dennings is renamed Burke Dennis in the stage show and I have no idea why – I was frankly irritated by it. The performances of Susannah Edgeley and McKellen’s demon more than make up for it though. The stage set is excellent and the lights and sound effects were top notch. I’d recommend it without hesitation, just don’t expect a scene for scene reboot of the film or you will be very disappointed.
Michelle (114 KP) rated Supernatural in TV
Mar 15, 2018
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Dead Alive (1993) in Movies
Jul 11, 2018
When a poisonous rat monkey gets brought to the mainland, its lethal bite causes mayhem in a young man's life. He know has to deal with the growing weirdness at his house while he pursues the girl of his dreams.
Saying this movie is over the top is one of the largest understatements of all time. If you combine Evil Dead, Dawn of the Dead and The Toxic Avenger you still wouldn't come close to the campy goodness of this film.
The gore is definitely extreme, but very cheeky and comical. The demon baby is also especially hilarious.
If you ask me nicely, you can come to my house and watch this with me!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Ghost Rider (2007) in Movies
Jul 30, 2019
Nicolas Cage- goes over 100% on his acting in this film. He's over nine-thousand.
The plot: Years ago, motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) sold his soul to save the life of a loved one. Now, he transforms into a fiery, avenging agent of justice at night wherever evil roams. As the only one who can walk in both worlds, Johnny is charged by Mephistopheles (Donal Logue) himself to destroy Blackheart (Wes Bentley), a demon that wants to overthrow Mephistopheles and create a worse hell than the one that currently exists.
Their is a 5-10 minute talk between nicolas cage and sam elliot and you cant understand a word there saying.
Ghost rider- is funny, has action, is dumb but overall is a good movie.
When Cricket Was Cricket: The Ashes: A Nostalgic Look at a Century of the Greatest Rivalry
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When Cricket Was Cricket - The Ashes takes you back to the heyday of great Ashes Test series of the...
The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld, #13)
9.5
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Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is...