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"The Rite," Hollywood's latest look at exorcism, is creepy and at times a little kooky, but it never gets mysterious or scary enough to qualify as a standard horror movie. Its examination of religion makes the film more like a Roman Catholic Mass presented in a carnival house of horrors.
Director Mikael Hafstrom's production -- based on real events -- focuses on the spiritual relationship between a veteran exorcist, Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins), and a young seminary student, Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), who has lost his faith.
The pair are pushed together in a final effort to rekindle Kovak's faith by showing him proof that the devil exists. Kovak observes several exorcisms performed by Father Trevant and comes away with mixed emotions.
Rick Bentley's one-minute review
Hafstrom divides the film like a Communion wafer. The first half concentrates on the young man's skepticism, while the second half is all about his spiritual revelations when he must confront all kinds of demons. As with most movies that deal with exorcism, which story line you like better will depend on the degree of your own faith.
