Priest (Screen Gems)
Father Forgive Me
Priest is another one of those futuristic films wherein mankind battles a demon creature such as a vampire. It usually takes place in a dark and gloomy place where sunlight is rare. The humans huddle behind high walled cities and the creatures ramble around outside. Yep, thats Priest. In this case the vampire killer movie has some good acting and a lot of action which means you wont be bored. You wont be impressed but you wont be bored.
Paul Bettany plays the Priest, a man of God who has been specifically trained to kill vampires. Once the vampire menace has removed, the high priest, Monsignor Orelas (Christopher Plummer) disbands the group of specialists. Now they are on their own.
The Priest receives word that his brother and sister in law have been killed by vampires and their daughter Lucy (Lily Collins) has been abducted. This news is delivered by Hicks (Cam Gigandet), the local sheriff. Together the Priest and Hicks attempt to locate and rescue Lucy who is being held by a former priest (Karl Urban). He has now become one of the undead.
The action in the movie is impressive with the battles between the vampires and humans being exciting. There is never any doubt as to who is going to win, especially when the Priest has a Priestess (Maggie Q) join his team. Maggie Q is ferocious and plays the vampire slayer with ease.
Lily Collins, who is the daughter of musician Phil Collins, made her debut in the film The Blind Side. In that film she sparked attention but in this one she is just the damsel in distress. Maggie Q is much more impressive and commands your attention when she is on screen. Bettany has a quiet strength to his performances and that is how it is here. He is compelling in his determination as the avenging priest but he is calm in all other aspects of his character.
Gigandet has had roles in The Roommate, Burlesque and now this one. He has yet to make much of an impression. He is always competent in the roles but never gives that breakthrough performance that he needs. Urban has some good moments as the sinister and shadowy man in the hat.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
If you are in the mood for an action movie with a futuristic bent then this is a movie you will want to see. All others might as well wait for the DVD. It is good and exciting but nothing special.
I scored Priest a blessed 5 out of 7.
