Rating of
2.5/4
Moderately successful.
Jacob Zembower - wrote on 07/03/14
Scott Derrickson is certainly a competent director, if not inconsistent. From the near-masterpiece THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, to the scary, if flawed, SINISTER which had it's fair share of frights (two words: lawn mower.) Now, with Deliver Us From Evil, Derrickson returns to the 'based on a true story' angle, with mediocre results. It's not a terrible film, the camera work, soundtrack (there's a clever use of The Doors music) and cinematography, DUFE has enough to spare. Unfortunately, despite an interesting story, the scares are not as frequent as one would like. Derrickson's attempt at meshing law procedural and demonic possession horror is never as successful as his courtroom/horror combo he pulled off so well in Emily Rose. Though when the scares hit, they are mighty effective. A scene in a basement in particular builds tension perfectly, and the payoff is both disgusting and frightening. Bana is great as Officer Sarchie, as is Edgar Ramirez, and even Olivia Munn can prove she can act. The one sore thumb eis Joel McHale, who, while he has his moments of seriousness, is the victim of throwing a joking one liner in nearly every scene. Would have liked to see him in a full on straight faced character. But I digress, worthy of a matinee, Deliver Us From Evil is not one of the best horror films of the year, and certainly not that of Derrickson's best. But it mostly works, and serves some quality scares. (MPAA 2- disturbing violent content including grisly images, terror throughout, and language)
