THE RITE

We spend much of the movie steeped in dark shadows with mumbling characters or watching the victims of possession vomit and writhe across the floor.

At some time or other we've all come to that crossroads in life where you've got to commit to a path.  For seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), the choice boils down to two options: enter the priesthood or fall into the family business as a mortician.  It's safe to say that the thought of becoming an exorcist never crossed his mind, but this is the third (unexpected) alternative presented to him at the eleventh hour.

With a rise in demonic possessions, there's greater demand for exorcists than ever before and Michael heads to Italy to study up for this promising career opportunity. Though he has his doubts about the authenticity of demonic possession, Michael takes his apprenticeship seriously.  Working under the well-respected Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), Michael soon witnesses some alarming and inexplicable cases that make demonic possession seem pret-ty darn real.  Even more horrifying, it seems as though Father Lucas might be in need of an exorcism of his own.  Turns out, demons can be a bit contagious!

Though the premise of The Rite is interesting enough, the film itself is a bit too subdued for its own good.  We spend much of the movie steeped in dark shadows with mumbling characters or watching the victims of possession vomit and writhe across the floor.  Its a juxtaposition that soon becomes tiresome, and leaves the twist ending falling flat.

DVD NOTES

Extra features include an alternate ending, additional scenes, and a chat with the real Father Gary Thomas.  You can also listen to accounts of real-life exorcisms and go inside an actual exorcism academy.  If you're still trying to find your calling, perhaps this is the field for you!