I ♥ horror movies. The scarier the better. The only problem is that these days movies classified as “horror” are not really scary at all.
They don’t make movies like they used to. The original granddaddy of all exorcism based films, The Exorcist, is probably one of the scariest movies of all time. The movie really didn’t scare me, but the scene where Regan comes down the stairs backwards was pretty creepy. 🙂
There are many movies about people being possessed by an evil entity, or even the devil himself. The idea of something so evil finding a way into our world is enough to scare the heebie jeebies out of most people.
In 2010 a film came out called The Last Exorcism. It was a “mockumentary” (a mock documentary) style film where a group of filmmakers follow a minister, Reverend Cotton Marcus, to a small farm in Louisiana where a young girl name Nell is said to be possessed. The Reverend tries to expel the evil spirit from her, but has his doubts about her supposed possession. he seems to feel that she might be mentally disturbed, and not possessed.
I won’t giveaway the ending too much but I will say A LOT of people die – except Nell.
The Last Exorcism Part II picks up where the last film left off. Nell has been discovered in the woods and brought to a mental institution. The doctor’s feel that Nell would do better in a group home setting and send her to live with several other girls in a group home in the New Orleans.
At first Nell has a hard time fitting in. She grew up on a farm and lead a very sheltered life. Life in the big city is strange to her, especially all the sights, sounds, smells and sensation. Being in the city also exposes her to music and temptation, two things she didn’t experience on the farm.
It takes a while but Nell eventually fits in. She even gets a job as a maid at a local hotel and gets a boyfriend.
As time goes on Nell because more and more disturbed by visions and situations that have been occurring. She sees her dead father several times. She also witnesses her boyfriend kill himself in front of her.
Nell hopes that a local resident and a couple of mystery men can help stop the evil entity that appears to have made it’s way back into her life. They feel that they can perform another exorcism on Nell and rid her of the evil spirit within her named Abalam.
Will the second exorcism work? Will Nell finally be free of Abalam and all the horrific things that have been happening all around her? Or will Nell’s destiny go in a different direction? To find out the answers you need to pick up a copy of The Last Exorcism Part II, now available on Blu-ray and DVD where ever movies are sold.
I’ve seen both films. I think the second film, The Last Exorcism Part II was better than the first film. I’m not a fan of the “documentary” style films – unless of course if it’s a REAL documentary. Then I’m OK with it.
Actress Ashley plays the part of Nell. She does an excellent job. You really feel for Nell and feel sorry for her. She makes you want to root for Nell and hope that she gets better and can rid herself as these evil spirits. She also does an excellent job playing a possessed girl. She may look sweet and innocent but at the same time she can be a really convincing demon.
The story line was good. I had hoped for more “jump-out-of-your-seat” parts. The ending was certainly something I didn’t see happening. I think it also opens up the idea of a possible third movie.
Dire hard horror movie fans won’t be too effected by the movie. It didn’t phase me much. Those who are easily scared might find the film a bit creepy. My 16 year old daughter jumped out of her chair a few times.
There are a few bonus features on the film. My favorite is the Hair Salon Scare. The filmmakers set up a scary woman behind a mirror at a hair salon and had her make an appearance when the customers looked into the mirror. The best part was when she came out from behind the mirror. If you happen to get a copy of the film make sure you check out that featurette.
The Last Exorcism Part II is now available where ever movies are sold.
Here is the film’s trailer for your convenience.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Kate F. says
I haven’t seen the original film yet. The exorcist films sound very creepy, though!
Sandy Cain says
Ok, this sounds like my kind of movie. I always thought that scary is in the nerve endings of the beholder. What scares the know-you-what of out of me might not affect you at all, and vice versa. What are your thoughts on Stephen King, BTW?
Robin Wilson says
I have to admit that it was that pic that made me read your review. But I do not like being scared. I don’t got to haunted houses or watch scary movies. I have never seen The Exorcist or Jaws or Halloween ~ you get the picture. My sis is like you, she loves horror films so I will ask her about this. She would not doubt love it!
@AdrianSlew says
I agree about today’s ‘horror’ movies..not scary..maybe I’ve just become jaded and desensitized.
Sherrie C. says
I watched the first film with my husband and he, like you, isn’t a fan of these documentary type films. He hated it although he thought there were a few disturbing parts thanks to the actress playing Nell. As for me, I didn’t mind the film although I didn’t think it was overly scary The sequel though sounds a little better so I might be interested in seeing that, my hubby, probably still not so much 🙂