dungeonbrownies
For fans of The Witch, this will be another fantastic piece. While there are slight issues with continuity and motivation of some parts of the plot, this film offers mystery, action gore (even if a bit outdated), and wonderful composition, all while developing a narrative that pulls you in and invests in the well earned climax.The artistry is absolutely the best when it comes to the beauty of the shots and the musical score which lends heavily to the mood.The subplots seem to be disjointed and I can't honestly say they all finally join in a way that'll satisfy everyone, but they definitely add up in an overall world building/background developing kind of way, especially with some of the more subversive undertones for those who appreciate the slightly deeper meaning to some of the parts.A few of the characters are one note, and you kind of wonder if you'd be better than them in the same situation, but it doesn't hamper the film and they work together relatively well.Bottom line? Not a scary film, but somewhat creepy and blossoming with macabre beauty.
LeonLouisRicci
Coming from the World of Dario Argento, Lamberto Bava and other Italian Filmmakers, Director Michele Soavi has a Minor Following and after Seeing this, one can See Why. Visual Flares are Forever Impressing the Viewer to keep the Confusing and Plodding Plot from becoming a Deadening Distraction.The Camera work is as Stunning as the Sets and its Gothic, Demon Possessed Template is Haunting and Captivates. The Film is Stretched somewhat and Feels a little Long, but the Atmosphere and Odd Feel of the Film Continues right up to the Final Shot.Muddled as the Story may be, there is Enough here to Interest Horror Movie Fans, Especially ones Drawn to the Italian Horror Renaissance of the 1960-1990 Period from Mario Bava, Argento, Lamberto Bava and Others. The European Flavor and Baroque, Beautiful Style that these Movies are well Known is Evident as the Film is Rich and Lush with Grotesque Architecture and Bloody Brutality.The Characterizations may be Thin and the Story Hard to Follow at times, the Movie is Never Visually Boring or Lacking in Stylized Hauntings and Killings. A Young and Lolita Like Asia Argento has a Strong Leading Role and the Score is Fiddled About by Goblin, Keith Emerson, and Philip Glass. Some of the Make-Up and Creatures are Hypnotic and Horrific.Overall, Could be Considered Slow to Start after the Ancient Flashback, but not really, a Must Watch for Fangoria Types and Anyone Interested in Foreign Horror. This Odd and at times Fascinating Film is Superbly Stylistic and Deep in Religious (especially Catholic) Symbolism and Lore.
Jan Strydom
I found out about THE CHURCH after hearing that Dario Argento also produced films for other directors so since I was new to Argento's work I started fishing around and came across THE CHURCH and found out about DEMONS 1 and 2 since it appears this film was an unofficial third installment to that series but to be honest I wasn't overly fond of THE CHURCH.Don't get me wrong Michele Soavi is an excellent director, the film as an undeniable atmosphere, the cinematography is just first class, the main thing I liked about it was the camera movements, I'm just a sucker for camera movements, my main problem with this film is the fact that it has such a lousy plot, I mean it has beautiful direction and camera work but the script really kills it, halfway through this film just becomes weird and suddenly there's no plot structure, you even lose track of whose supposed to be the lead character because the film becomes that confusing.The acting is okay but not really something to talk about although the film's dubbing can be a little distracting.Overall, the film excels in style and cinematography and the setting does have a real Gothic feel to it but it has a really lousy plot, I suppose I could call it a bad movie that's very stylishly made.
sydneyswesternsuburbs
Director Michele Soavi who also created other classic flicks, StageFright: Aquarius 1987 and Of Death and Love 1994 and another classic religious flick, The Sect 1991 has created another gem in The Church.Starring Hugh Quarshie who has also been in another classic flick, Highlander 1986.Also starring Thomas Arana who has also been in other classic flicks, Limitless 2011, Frankenfish 2004, Gladiator 2000, L.A. Confidential 1997, Tombstone 1993 and Michele Soavi's classic religious flick, The Sect.Also starring Feodor Chaliapin Jr. who has also been in another classic religious flick, The Name of the Rose 1986.Also starring Asia Argento who has also been in other classic flicks, Land of the Dead 2005 and The Stendhal Syndrome 1996.I enjoyed the cinematography, settings and violence.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic religious flicks, Babysitter Wanted 2008, Black Narcissus 1947, Black Robe 1991, Communion 1976, Constantine 2005, Red State 2011, The Devils 1971, End of Days 1999, The Exorcist 1973, The First Power 1990, The Holy Mountain 1973, The House of the Devil 2009, The Last Exorcism 2010, The Last Temptation of Christ 1988, Legion 2009, Little Buddha 1993, The Crucible 1996, Mark of the Devil 1970, The Mission 1986, The Passion of the Christ 2004, School of the Holy Beast 1974, Warlock: The Armageddon 1993, Witchcraft Through the Ages 1922, Suspiria 1977, The Shrine 2010, Black Death 2010, The Witch 2015 and Witchfinder General 1968.
AD
