ernesti
There doesn't seem to be many genres or ideas that hadn't been explored or exploited by the Italian film makers. Amusingly L'anticristo manages to be more effective horror movie than the original Exorcist that it just makes its counterpart look quite lame.There's so much more feeling in this movie and more depth to the characters than in many of the movies in this genre. I think the main character is more likable than the child in The Exorcist because she has her own weaknesses and traumas that lead the way to her possession. The movie engages to watch it completely to see what happens to her.For being released in 1974 this movie still has a modern look in it but of course its special effects look quite goofy to tell the truth. But its flaws can be forgiven for the fantastic score composed by Ennio Morricone.This movie is at the same time very tormenting and powerful but also hilarious and entertaining. So being a rip off doesn't mean that it's necessarily a bad movie. Watch it to see a different adaptation of the possessed by the devil story.
EyeAskance
Unjustly maligned demonic possession outing deserves a bit better than to be blindly savaged for it's obvious culling of elements from THE EXORCIST. There are some very original and effective moments which propel this film ahead of the general horror tripe sent forth from Europe during the mid-70s. Wheelchair-bound girl, denied the love and physical intimacy vital to her happiness, becomes possessed by, apparently, Satan himself, and thus begins to walk(and become a total whore and vicious killer, as well). Too, she may be pregnant with Satan's child, The Antichrist. There is also a rather vague reincarnation issue scantly touched upon, which plays out in flashback sequences of a young lady enduring a Satanic ritual in an ethereal Hellish garden...she eats the head of a toad and licks a goat's ass before being plowed by a man in a Hairy devil costume. This scene is particularly nasty, and should please the median sleaze enthusiast and make most others very uncomfortable.Visually interesting throughout, and set almost entirely within a great looking "Hollywood Regency" styled apartment, fusing futuristic post-modernism with classic antique decorum...quite nicely done, and gives an unusual atmosphere to the proceedings.Overall, not a hands-down classic(like THE EXORCIST), but better than some(like DEMON WITCH CHILD)...5.5/10
Otter1107
The Tempter is a great cheesy devil flick; it rates right up there with The Eerie Midnight Horror Show and House of Exorcism ! Cheesy effect, but some great shock value ! The mix of out of work American actors, funky clothes, and some great gross out effects make this one worthwhile. Most of the Italian Horror flicks of the time were cheesy, but worth some great laughs. There are some great creepy and blasphemous scenes in this flick, including some nudity and crazy stuff! A lot of these flicks were very melodramatic and I think added to the movie. Some great visuals and interesting symbolism make this movie a great one to throw on at parties and yuk it up! Highly recommended !
lthseldy1
When I went in the video store to look for a horror video I found this piece of flop that unfortunately blew me away with the words "the best special effects" and I decided to give it a try. Boy was I wrong! This movie was more laughable with it's "special effects" than scary. I could just imagine the poorly paid crew and staff pushing furniture across the floor and moving paintings on the other side of the wall in the midst of a demonic presence. A handicaped woman who looses her handicaped during her demonic attacks suddenly becomes a tool for Satan and all we see is poor acting and laughable hallucinations borrowed from movies such as "Rosemary's Baby", "Exorcist" and numerous other titles that tried to copy them as well. This is one of the worst of demonic horror movies that I have seen; slobbering all over herself like she has rabies and the mocking of sexual scenes with the Devil. Give me a break.
AD
