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Post by Scott on Oct 5, 2016 8:26:00 GMT -5
Has anybody been watching this? Two episodes in and It's still has my interest. I thought the first episode started out OK and got better as it went, and had a good finish. The second episode was kind of flat. A few highlights, but overall just ehh. Anybody else watching?
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 5, 2016 9:01:11 GMT -5
I watched the first episode and it didn't hook me, although I did like the twist ending. But I'll watch episode 2 and give it some more time to develop.
It's hard not to compare it to the movie, and so it has a lot to live up to.
There were some things I liked, such as the lighting with shadows, long stairway and priest's hat imagery in the opening sequence that were homages to to the movie, and the use of the movie music at the end with the exorcist gearing up and getting ready to do spiritual battle. I also liked the actors. And the concept of some demon possessions being more concealed and sneaky.
But the jump scares were just silly. Like with Geena Davis surprising the priest in the basement? Come on. Worst of all, it wasn't really scary.
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Post by geneweigel on Oct 5, 2016 9:41:55 GMT -5
I'll have to check that out. The demonic genre has really gone to different fringes. I think THE EXORCIST was a hit because it was science fiction into fantasy and they lose a lot when they just go loopy too fast. My daughter binge watched 10 years worth of SUPERNATURAL (2005-present) with her friends recently and I told her that I couldn't really get into the first season because it was too weird on the religious end. Not enough accuracy to keep it believable and too much angel/devil jibe to keep annoying. There was a movie with "Negan" from WALKING DEAD called THE POSSESSION (2012) and it was so poorly conceived with a religious Jewish realism angle that it was awkward. The kids were laughing so loudly at the realistic religious praying that it ruined any creepy moment. I've said this before but I don't think anything can get the zeitgeist of Roddenberry's SPECTRE (1977) the failed movie pilot for a series. That shit had the STAR TREK vibe all over it. Here it is on YouTube in its entirety: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LimAIJAzo1U |
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Post by Scott on Oct 5, 2016 9:49:36 GMT -5
I read the Exorcist book a while back, and while it never comes out and explicitly states it, it's strongly implied that the whole thing is psychological. The movie went in the opposite direction, and the series follows the movie.
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Post by geneweigel on Oct 5, 2016 11:08:35 GMT -5
Everytime that I went to go read THE EXORCIST someone would snatch it and I'd never see it again. I remember seeing the images in the Metropolitan Museum that was similar to or same as the demon from the beginning of the movie (Pazuzu). In the 1990's (1996?), Dorothy had a Halloween party and for a decoration I had paused the subliminal demon face scene and painted the face with glowing blue light paint to hang on the wall. I think that I have that around somewhere. Just checked. As it was popular she used it every year in a box of Halloween material which I can't seem to find. I do have the other Halloween images but its irrelevant. I just searched a video made by a drunk (who broke my video camera) in 1997 at the Halloween party and they focused on the image for a few seconds:  That video is really painful to watch. My sister's husband's voice is excruciatingly annoying. I told Henry a while back that I had found a clip of his friend who killed himself that was at that party and I'm going to cut the parts out with him so he can see him. So he comes over with his aggressive wife and they insisted on sitting through the party tape from end to end. So she can see what he looked like 11 years before she met him. An hour of 5 seconds of me and the rest is filmed by a drunk girl with beer goggles for my sister's husband. Its fucking painful! |
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 6, 2016 11:17:00 GMT -5
I noticed the show made a nod at possible psychological explanations, with the priest saying that demons are metaphors rather than beings who can actually affect the world. But of course that all goes out the door once stuff starts levitating.
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 11, 2016 16:06:27 GMT -5
I've watched Episodes 2 and 3. It's okay. I'll hang for a while. The writing is so-so but I like the actors/actresses.
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Post by Scott on Oct 11, 2016 18:50:47 GMT -5
I'll be watching episode 3 tonight. I agree. I like the cast better than the writing.
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Post by Scott on Oct 15, 2016 10:39:54 GMT -5
Some good and bad last night. The show definitely took a dark turn. Casey's friend is looking much less like a kindly old man. Wasn't thrilled with the nun bit. Neither of the parents are written very well, and there was nothing done to really get the audience to identify/empathize with the daughters. I like both of the priests, they're a touch cliche and archetype-y but the actors put some character into them.
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 17, 2016 13:11:08 GMT -5
I like how they make temptation a component of the possession. If a demon can give you the power to not be bullied, and not be a victim, and prey upon your insecurities then it might get you to willingly 'let it in.' This aspect of temptation is missing from many depictions of possession in movies. But it is a perfect fit, as it is such a central theme throughout Christianity... the temptation of Eve, the temptation of Christ, the idea of medieval monks struggling with temptation, the Flagellants whipping their own flesh because of its weakness, etc.
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 18, 2016 8:35:03 GMT -5
The scariest thing about THE EXORCIST is how old Alan Ruck looks.
Since he played the friend in FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (1986) I vaguely associated him as being about the same age as me (I graduated high school in 1986). But actors often play younger roles. When I looked him up online, I found out he's 60 years old now. Whew.
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Post by Scott on Oct 18, 2016 8:57:35 GMT -5
I keep catching myself referring to him as Cameron.
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Post by geneweigel on Oct 18, 2016 9:47:22 GMT -5
I once worked with this student that looked like a blend of Ed Helms (THE OFFICE) and Alan Ruck. He has a couple of pics online but if I link them he'll probably hunt me down and murder me. Well, that pretty much tells you his disposition! It was like working with the guy from THE TELLTALE HEART (1843) everyday.. "He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was Gene Weigel's eye!"  |
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Post by davegibsongreyhawkdm on Oct 18, 2016 11:07:45 GMT -5
The scariest thing about THE EXORCIST is how old Alan Ruck looks. Since he played the friend in FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (1986) I vaguely associated him as being about the same age as me (I graduated high school in 1986). But actors often play younger roles. When I looked him up online, I found out he's 60 years old now. Whew. |
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Post by davegibsongreyhawkdm on Oct 18, 2016 11:09:34 GMT -5
I am 1985 graduate...product of Fast Times at Ridgemont High with Sean Penn...
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Post by geneweigel on Oct 18, 2016 11:38:15 GMT -5
I am 1985 graduate...product of Fast Times at Ridgemont High with Sean Penn... I guess my 2nd high school in Connecticut was sort of like the one from Ferris Bueller/Breakfast Club. Although, those movies do not reflect the party hearty philosophy that I had. I had so many parties that I had it down to a science. I wish I could tell you the legendary highlights but I'm sure someone would be arrested! |
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Post by GRWelsh on Oct 19, 2016 10:48:13 GMT -5
Wasn't thrilled with the nun bit. It turns out demons are just misunderstood and need a little love... |
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Post by Scott on Oct 24, 2016 22:04:41 GMT -5
So, Angela is Regan. I didn't see that coming. Is it the return of Captain Howdy? And what is Chris MacNeil up to?
The episode was kind of weak up til the big reveal, but now I'm looking forward to the next episode.
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Post by GRWelsh on Nov 15, 2016 6:15:05 GMT -5
I'm still watching this. I liked the 'exorcism sonar ring' in Episode 6 that killed all the fish.
Yes, I guess this means the 'old man' demon who has been possessing Casey has been Captain Howdy all along. Interesting way to tie it into the original film.
The Satanists were reminding me of the ones in ROSEMARY'S BABY.
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Post by geneweigel on Nov 17, 2016 12:40:59 GMT -5
For television, I have Sling TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO. All are on a Roku and an Apple TV (I usually get PPV thru Apple) I don't have a digital receiver for local channels either. I just got rid of HULU after the kids ran up a huge bill with pay extras. So I don't think I can watch this right now at least I don't think so.
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