Matchup of the Day

 We have a sadistic tale of vengeance vs. yet another possession flick:

Red White & Blue vs. Exorcismus

Along with Exorcismus, Netflix is offering at least five other exorcism-related movies with a female protagonist for Instant viewing:

The Exorcist – You should know about this one already.  Only the original version is available (rather than the Director’s Cut).

The Last Exorcism – A found footage film about a skeptical preacher who encounters what may be a real case of demonic possession.  I’ve heard some criticisms about the WTF? ending, but I didn’t mind it so much. 

Requiem – This one’s mostly about a young woman’s psychological deterioration.  Whether she’s actually possessed or not isn’t the direct focus.  Think of it as The Exorcism of Emily Rose without the supernatural elements.  Or much exorcising.

Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes – From what I’ve read, Requiem, Emily Rose and Anneliese are all based on the same real-life event where a girl ended up dying during an exorcism.  The Asylum released Anneliese, so that may raise some red flags in terms of quality.

 Exorcism: The Possession of Gail Bowers – I discovered that this was put out by The Asylum as well. 

I’m guessing that Exorcismus is superior to The Asylum releases.  However, all the other movies are easily more worthy of your time.  If you’re looking for intense clergy vs. demon action, Exorcismus is going to be severely disappointing.  The Exorcist and The Last Exorcism both whoop it in that category.  If a film depicting the protagonist’s disturbing descent into mental turmoil is what you crave, then Requiem delivers the goods far more effectively.  Exorcismus is lackluster and unmemorable in every way.  The trailer portrays it as scarier than it actually is:     

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySKO0LRYeZ0[/youtube]

Red White & Blue was a bit of a pleasant surprise.  It’s a revenge film, though not exactly clear cut as far as how deserving of wrath the guilty party is.  Everyone involved acts in a way that is less than morally sound.  At the same time, no one is entirely reprehensible.  I think it’s just about how people protect their own, and how righteousness is in the eye of the beholder.  But that’s just me.  I do know that the level of entertainment I attained with Red White & Blue far exceeded Exorcismus.   

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pu7mvo0rZ0[/youtube]

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