Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Rating: PG-13
The Bouw-Man.
A film about exorcism seems to come along a few times a year. The previews are usually quite frightening, and it appears the “The Rite” is no exception. The film itself involves characters, who are skeptical, and also ones that are committed to the idea of the demonic possession. “The Last Exorcism” came out last August, and it enjoyed a decent domestic box office run of just over $40 million. This, despite the fact, that it only cost roughly $1.8 million to produce. This time around we have a story that is inspired by true events in Rome, and it stars an Oscar-winning actor (Anthony Hopkins) in the lead role. Usually, this fact alone would require that audience members who instantly dismissed “The Rite” give it future consideration. However, it you were one of the unfortunate few to witness “The Wolfman” (also starring Anthony Hopkins), having an Oscar-winning actor cast does not always help a terrible product.
Like “The Last Exorcism” of last year, I see that “The Rite” is rated “PG-13.” I just don’t see how you can properly make a film about exorcism confined to the limits of a “PG-13” rating. Granted, the ratings board is usually pretty liberal with what they will allow in terms of violence, “scary” moments or general disturbing images. However, there are still limitations. Obviously, the “PG-13” rating is what the producers were shooting for to bring in the teenage demographic. The art suffers, but that seems to be secondary to bringing in as much money as possible.
Prediction.
“The Rite” may offer some cheap thrills, but based on the trailer I don’t think there’s anything here that hasn’t already been told. “The Last Exorcism” made just under $21 million during its opening weekend last August. I don’t think “The Rite” will quite make that much, since “The Last Exorcism” had more buzz and sort of a cult following. Let’s say $16 million for “The Rite.”
Opening Weekend Gross: $16 Million
Noodles: Prediction
To say that I was looking forward to the next Exorcism movie would be a lie. I find most of these quasi-religo-porn movies a little on the dull side.
Opening Weekend Gross: $13 Million
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