Fallen MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

"I believe there is more that is hidden than is seen." Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz) tells detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington). Hobbes recently captured a serial killer and watched him die in the gas chamber. But the killer's spirit seems to still be active as copycat murders begin. Lt. Stanton (Donald Sutherland) and Hobbes' partner Jonesy (John Goodman) begin to suspect the copycat is a cop. Hobbes learns that Gretta's father was a "good" cop disgraced in a frame-up similar to Hobbes' situation. As Hobbes chases clues to Milano's frame-up and the copycat killer, he learns that a demon inhabited the killer and now chases him just as it did Milano. The demon moves from person to person by touch. Gretta teaches theology, preparing herself to meet the demon that killed her father, but it's Hobbes that seems destined to destroy the demon, if he can. The suspenseful cat and mouse game between Hobbes and the demon is both frightening and fascinating. The blend of classic suspense and horror keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The most frightening aspect of this film is the realistic portrayal of demon possession. It also states that the goal of demons is to bring about destruction of civilization (people) and they do it one by one. The demon leaves a clue with the biblical reference of Revelation 18:2 which talks about the fall of Babylon (civilization to some). As the demon takes control of people, their manners change and when the demon leaves they don't remember what they've done. The demon's form is never seen, but his presence in a body is unmistakable. Hobbes' search leads to discussions about God and demons with Gretta. He also asks Jonesy about the meaning of life, believing it must be more than a moral experiment by a superior being. A few violent scenes show graphic shootings and one stabbing. Dead bodies are also shown a few times. Sadly, the major objection is excessive foul language including 40 obscenities and taking God's name in vain 7 times. The name of Jesus is used but not to confront the demon. But the film vividly shows you cannot fight spiritual battles with worldly means.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Warner Bros. 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank CA 91522