Deliver us from evil was a mixture of modern horror and styled suspense. What began as what one would think was a typical Cop movie, actually started as a Military themed plot point.
To its credit the movie was very disturbing, but it was also shrouded in mystery throughout the entire film. Eric Bana was completely out of place in this film, as we’re more accustomed to him being in movies centralized around one theme such as war, or comedy.
Directed by Scott Derrickson, who adapted the script with frequent collaborator Paul Harris Boardman (The Exorcism of Emily Rose), has created a unique perspective for horror fans, in the form of Deliver us from Evil, in the sense that you wouldn’t expect with the level of tension provided, and the overall utter shock you receive sitting through the film. Overall the score, the talent and theme were what made the film such a creepy success, despite its misplaced setting.
Eric Bana, supplied the lead talent as the hardened, and grisly Sergeant Ralph Sarchie. With a heavy hand for criminals, and no regard for his Catholic upbringing, he’s partnered alongside his whimsy, and quizzical partner (Joel McHale).
Together they begin to investigate a string of bizarre events, which include an unhinged mother Jane (Olivia Horton) throwing her child into the lion’s den at the Bronx Zoo, and the gruesome death of a mysterious house painter, who drank paint thinner.
Édgar Ramírez as Father Mendoza was classic. He wasn’t your typical priest, who was devout, and without sin, or moral conflict. In fact he was just the opposite, he drank, smoked, and was had a eye for women. This tied the central theme of the movie together quite nicely, as it gave you a relaxed feel to the characters rather than, the “Oh so it’s a typical demons movie,” reaction. Shrouded in his dark past, and riddled with sin himself, he tries to convince Sarchie that demonic possession is fueling the happenings of their cases, and that it’s no mystery why he’s feeling the evil presence.
Zulu Wilson, as the daughter was a perfect match for this film, as her role helped to tie all the demonic scenes together very well. The young actress has a very bright career ahead of herself if this is what she has to put forth, especially with how Hollywood has rebranded itself toward child stars.
Unfortunately I can’t say the same about Olivia Munn as Sarchie’s wife. Her role wasn’t featured as much as the daughters, and with good reason. No offense, but with Olivia Munn’s acting credentials I can honestly say it’s a good think we were spared listening to her speak more than a paragraph of lines (If you think im kidding refer to Attack of the Show, and that Gamestop girl commercial that got yanked by the FCC she did).
If you’re looking for a Horror movie that will keep you satisfied until Insidous 3, or The Conjuring 2 comes out, this may be up your alley. There are a lot of other horror movies coming to finish rounding out the year, so make sure you stay tuned, we’ll be right here to cover them all. And don’t forget Annabelle is coming in October.
Did you watch Deliver us from Evil, or have a different view? Let us know below.
Pros:
+ Great musical score
+ Good narrative and theme
+ Gruesome murder scenes, and dynamic
Cons:
– Central tone wasn’t felt
– Some characters roles misplaced
– Hard to grip the terror and fear
Kenay Peterson
The Gaming Ground
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Tags: Deliver us from Evil, Evil, Horror, Jerry Bruckheimer, Movie review, Olivia Munn, Reviews