Reviewed 12-6-99 by Robert Thompson
This is definitely a "Guys" movie- and definitely not for
kids. Lots of gore (not AL), Violence, some frontal nudity, and
profanity.
I enjoyed it, but I'm glad I went to a Matinee and didn't pay full
price.
Playing to the Y2K, end of the millennium fears, this takes things one step farther- We don't have to worry about the computers crashing- We have to worry about Satan coming to town to pick up his "bride".
With elements taken from The Omen, Any number of other Arnie, Bruce Willis action flicks, Apocalyptic themes, Even Aliens -- this isn't really very original.
Arnie as ex-cop, current security guard Jericho Cain (now that is a biblically inspired name isn't it?) is looking a little tired. I don't know how much of this is due to his heart surgery, and how much it was because of the script; this isn't even his best acting.
Gabriel Byrne is persuasive in his role as Satan. I don't really mean that his acting made me believe that he was Satan, but his persuasive yet "laidback" arguments in trying to get Jericho to "turn to the dark side" would have convinced many a weaker man. His very casual approach to violence was pretty powerful and scarier than a ranting, slavering demonic presence would be.
Kevin Pollack was fairly good in his role as "Chicago", Arnie's partner. Essentially though, the role was almost an exact replay of Tom Arnold's role as Arnie's partner in TRUE LIES.
Robin Tunney, with a "new look" is attractive and convincing as Christine, Satan's intended.
I didn't really recognize Rod Steiger as the main "good guy" Priest, until I saw the credits, and then it was like "Oh Yeah- Rod Steiger". He was good in a strong but minor role.
I did enjoy the way that aspects of Good, Evil and Faith were presented.
Not a bad movie, but it won't be long remembered. (Unless of course it turns out to be a preview of the real future.)