Fallen (1998)
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Officer John Hobbes thought his life just got easier because serial killer Edgar Reese was just executed. But it appears a copycat killer is loose and doing everything Reese did. It gets even more bizarre when Hobbes investigates a riddle that Reese gave to John. The riddle gives up the name of a cop named Milano who also ended up killing a bunch of people. But Milano’s wife knows her husband is innocent. She contends he was possessed by a demon named Azazel – the demon of the wilderness. That demon can change the bodies he possesses by way of contact between himself and a new victim. A fantastic display in front of Hobbes later on convinces him the demon does exist. Azazel, who inhabited Reese’s body when Hobbes caught him, loves to play and so he engages in pure psychological torture of Hobbes. But Hobbes has some tricks up his sleeve and wants to finish what Milano couldn’t do.
Overall: The basic plot of this film had been done a few times previously (Shocker, Horror Show) but this time, some really good acting and writing make this film a “must-see.” The performances make thus film. The people that get possessed all pull off the transformation beautifully. The use of the song which connects everyone is just creepy enough to keep up the atmosphere. And frankly, any films with Elias Koteas & Donald Sutherland make it worthwhile. But John Goodman And Denzel Washington really just put in career performances. This can be a good psychological thriller. It’s not “scary” per se but creepy. The ending was quite sneaky and I liked it. I can see the point of those accusing it as a “waste of time” or a “cop-out” but I will say, given how the film starts and progresses, this was the only appropriate ending. If you disagree, listen again to the very opening narration, “I want to tell you about the time I almost...” Go see the film, it’s worth it. Comparison: Hard to Die meets Shocker |
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