DVD Corner

The Pope’s Exorcist Blu-ray Review

Russell Crowe is the best thing about “The Pope’s Exorcist.” 

Based on the life and books of Catholic Priest and exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth, the 1987 set “The Pope’s Exorcist” revolves around a mother (Julia) and her two children (Henry and Amy) moving into a Spanish abbey she inherited. The abbey is being renovated with the intention of it being sold at a future date. Amid repairs, strange things begin to happen including Henry becoming possessed. Enter Father Amorth who is the Pope’s Exorcist (as the title suggests). With the help of Father Esquibel, Amorth hopes to rid Henry of the demon, but he soon learns there is more going on involving a Church cover-up, the abbey’s dark past, and the demon Asmodeus who has an evil plan.

Despite the presence of Russell Crowe (we’ll get to that in a bit), “The Pope’s Exorcist” ultimately ends up being just another entry in the tired demonic possession horror subgenre. Director Julius Avery and writers Michael Petroni and Evan Spillotopoulos attempt to create something new here with this film being based on the life of Father Amorth. When the story does focus on the often quirky and personable Italian Priest and his past (and past figurative demons), the movie works. Unfortunately, those elements are ultimately wasted on horror movie cliches, run-of-the-mill jump scare tactics, demonic possession tropes, and an entirely out of place big spectacle ending that feels very much like a bad studio note. 

As mentioned above, Russell Crowe is the main star here and he is far and away the best part of the entire movie. Admittedly, it seems like a very strange project for Crowe as he’s not a horror mainstay by any stretch. Despite that, the movie star fits right in here and seems to relish playing this fascinating real life figure. The veteran actor also seems to enjoy tackling a new genre and expanding his already prolific career. It’s just a shame a better movie wasn’t built around him.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? A typically pristine print from a Sony title.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Whether there’s music on screen or a booming demonic voice, the 5.1 track delivers an effective audio experience. 

Extras include Sony trailers, a Digital copy, a featurette on the real-life figure “Introducing Father Amorth,” and a general featurette on the film “What Possessed You?”

June 9, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Demonic Possession Movies, Horror Movies, Russell Crowe, The Pope's Exorcist, The Pope's Exorcist Blu-ray Review