Picked up 'The Reaping' the other night at the video store. This was a movie that I wanted to see when it first came out, but then shied away once I read some of the reviews. So although I wasn't willing to pay $5.50 to see it (I always go to matinees), I was willing to pay $2.75. And I have to say... it was money well spent.
So that you understand my review, let me provide a quick insight to my biases. I like Hilary Swank. I think she's a good actress and I've enjoyed her presence in the few darker movies that she's done - especially 'Insomnia'. I'm not a gore nut. So any movie that doesn't depend solely on graphic violence already has one up on the movies that do. And as you've heard me say before, just because you can do it - doesn't mean that you should. This is said in reference to special effects. I thought the special effects in 'The Reaping' were well done and used sparingly.
Now without giving anything away, this movie is basically about an ordained priest (Hilary) who has lost her faith. As an expert at debunking so called miracles, she's called upon to investigate the mysterious happenings of a small southern town called Haven. While trying to maintain her scientific objectiveness, she's confronted with several types of biblical plagues - all of which seem to center around a rather creepy young girl. We're led to believe that this young girl is the spawn of an isolated sect of devil worshipping bikers. Meanwhile, Hilary is contacted by an old church colleague and warned that all signs are pointing to the potential for End of Days - and that she is an angel sent down from heaven to do battle with the forces of evil.
I liked the premise of this movie and the spin they put on the town's people as well as the young girl. As mentioned above, I also enjoyed the quality of the special effects. In particular, I thought the depiction of God's wrath at the end was superb. I also thought the director's choice of settings for each shot was dead-on.
As far as what could have been done better. The movie was entertaining, but it lacked any real creepiness. It didn't have the feel of 'The Omen', 'The Seventh Sign' or 'The Exorcist'. It also kind of zoomed right over the transition of Hilary's character in regaining her faith. There was no defining moment when she pushed science to the side and once again embraced the faith she had lost. That could have been an extremely powerful moment in the growth of her character.
With all that being said, I'd have to give 'The Reaping' 3 1/2 stars on a scale of 5 (5 being a great movie). Though not particularly scary, when it was over I have to say that I was glad I watched it. And after all, isn't that what it's all about.
I think I'll keep in the mode of horror / SciFi movies for my posting tomorrow. It's about time that I list what I consider to be the best movies of the genre. Be sure and check in to see if we're of the same mind. Until then... J/W
