Gregory-Hoblit Movie Reviews

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VHS movie reviews for "Gregory-Hoblit" sorted by average review score:
Class of '61
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (20 June, 1995)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Average review score:

EMOTIONALLY EXILIRATING! A WINNER!
"Class of '61" tells the story of the graduating West Point class of 1861 as the Civil War breaks out. It has fine performances and an exciting and almost 100% accurate recreation of the battle of First Manassas. A fine film! I hope it comes out on DVD soon! Grade: A+

Excellent and Well worth a look!
Emotional and realistic portralial of the American Civil War and how it effected both north, south and those caught in the middle. Unlike some war movies which ignore the human cost this movie shows in detail the cost to the main characters. Class of 61' is one of the best movies that I have seen. The movie starts at West Point and shows us the last class before the war starts. The friendships between those of southern back ground and the northerns and how their friendships are torn apart by the war.

L.A. Law
Released in VHS Tape by Twentieth Century Fox (17 March, 1988)
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Average review score:

LA LAW PILOT/MOVIE
Compelling film about medium-size Los Angeles Law Firm with interesting, current event-type plots (for the 80s), thoughtful writing and superior acting performances by a very talented cast. This is a film you will want to watch over and over!

L.A. LAW IS NO BORE!
L.A. Law the movie that started it all is a great introduction to the long running hit TV series of the 80's. The professional and personal lives of the lawyers at the high profile Los Angeles law firm add style, and a little fun to the dramatic content of the movie. A must see for any fan of L.A. Law or anyone who enjoys a movie with endless surprises in it's script!

Frequency
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (03 September, 2002)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Dennis Quaid and James Caviezel
Frequency is really two different--though inextricably linked--movies. First, the emotional drama of a father and son reunited after 30 years of separation. Then there's a science fiction thriller, in which a couple of chance solar storms, occurring exactly 30 years apart, can provide the agency through which the father and son can communicate using the very same ham radio in parallel time frames of 1969 and 1999. The son is John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel), a cop, and his father is Frank (Dennis Quaid), a firefighter who died on the job when John was 6, which just happens to be tomorrow for Frank when he and his now-adult son begin talking across time. This is great for John, because now he can warn his dad about the upcoming fire and avert the catastrophe that left him fatherless for most of his life. Accomplishing this gives John new memories of his life with Dad, but unfortunately alters the course of a serial killer, with tragic effect on John's family history. Since John's a cop, and the case he's working on turns out to be the same unsolved case from 30 years before, he and his father work together over the ham radio to solve the case and hopefully avert the tragedy that befell their family.

Time-travel stories have always been problematic, demanding either an extra degree of credulity on the part of the audience or an extra level of explanation on the part of storytellers, which is invariably cumbersome. Frequency handles the troublesome time paradoxes by having John explain how, having altered his past, he now experiences both timelines, as if he's had two pasts that converge in his present. And as changes continue to be wrought in John's past, we see him becoming more and more confused. No doubt the audience can sympathize, at least those of us who try to follow the ramifications of the rapidly accruing time fractures. Luckily, the bond between father and son is so strongly realized in the deeply felt performances of both Caviezel and Quaid that you don't even need to consider the science fiction elements in order to enjoy the film. But if you can suspend your disbelief long enough to allow for the possibility of time shifts, you'll have a far richer experience. --Jim Gay

Average review score:

underrated classic
It's not unusual for fathers and sons to have trouble communicating. But no gap has ever been wider than the one bridged in Frequency (PG-13) when a meteorological anomaly reunites a troubled New York cop with his deceased dad by letting them converse via ham radio 30 years apart. This intelligently written thrill ride (part Back to the Future, part Field of Dreams) tugs heartstrings as it races to a wild climax.

In 1969, fireman Frank Sullivan died in the line of duty, leaving behind his loving wife and 6-year-old son, John. But the past is about to change. In 1999, John uses the mysterious radio and clarity of hindsight to save his dad's life-a noble act that creates a devastating wrinkle in the fabric of time-that father and son must iron out together.

Frequency employs intense violence as the Sullivan boys try to thwart a serial killer. Persistent alcohol use and about 30 profanities also get in the way of this film's many positive messages.

The pluses? Seemingly insignificant actions alter lives forever (a reminder that behavior has consequences). Frank and John feel responsible for the ripple effect they have created and risk their lives to help others. Scenes model affection in marriage and issue a wake-up call to workaholics. With a soft spot for second chances, the film recognizes the value of healthy two-parent homes and makes a powerful anti-smoking statement.

Male bonding over electronic gizmos and baseball minutiae (specifically the '69 World Series) won't attract hoards of teens to the local cinema. Rather, they'll want to see Frequency for its mind-bending premise and sheer velocity.

One of those movies you'll watch over...and over...
The year 2000 wasn't very good in the movie department. Remember the Titans and Frequency were the only good films I've seen that came out that year. Frequency just so happens to be the most underrated year of 2000. Still, both are excellent movies that one (who is old enough to stand a few scenes of violent/gorey content) should consider viewing.

Frequency is the story of John's (James Caviezel) realization that he can talk to his presently dead father through his old radio. Through this new discovery, John saves his father's, Frank's (Dennis Quaid, who also gave a great performance in the wonderful movie Dragonheart), life, which triggers a series of serial murders. One of the new victims include Frank's wife, and John's mother. While trying to save the other victims, the two have to find out who the serial killer is, and stop him.

This movie is just a classic. It makes you laugh, makes you cry (I can't remember if I did, but just in case I did, I'll mention it anyway), and makes you remember how important the family is. I highly recommend this film. Oh, yeah, one more thing-I would recommend watching this movie twice or watching it with someone who has watched it before and can explain what's going on before passing judgement. Luckily, I watched this movie for the first time on home video and had my mom with me to explain things to me (she had already seen it in movie theaters). Also, if after watching Dennis Quaid's (as well as everyone else's) great performance, and you want to see another excellent movie he's been in, I would highly recommend Dragonheart, which is also featured on this website.

Gripping, Tense and Moving
What a great film! I really enjoyed pretty much everything about this movie. Not only did it keep me on the edge of my seat (which rarely ever happens to me anymore with movies) but the father/son relationship is one of the best I have ever seen in a film and I have seen quite a few that deal with this theme. Surprisingly due to the sincerity of the performances and the realistic and exciting direction that never seems to let up the time travel angle really works. Within the context of this world/story it is completely plausible and not in a goofy way like say Back To The Future. In this story it serves a deeply rooted purpose. This is a very suspenseful movie and I warn you it can even get a bit scary at times. Job well done by all that were involved in the making of this movie.

Frequency
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (03 September, 2002)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Dennis Quaid and James Caviezel
Frequency is really two different--though inextricably linked--movies. First, the emotional drama of a father and son reunited after 30 years of separation. Then there's a science fiction thriller, in which a couple of chance solar storms, occurring exactly 30 years apart, can provide the agency through which the father and son can communicate using the very same ham radio in parallel time frames of 1969 and 1999. The son is John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel), a cop, and his father is Frank (Dennis Quaid), a firefighter who died on the job when John was 6, which just happens to be tomorrow for Frank when he and his now-adult son begin talking across time. This is great for John, because now he can warn his dad about the upcoming fire and avert the catastrophe that left him fatherless for most of his life. Accomplishing this gives John new memories of his life with Dad, but unfortunately alters the course of a serial killer, with tragic effect on John's family history. Since John's a cop, and the case he's working on turns out to be the same unsolved case from 30 years before, he and his father work together over the ham radio to solve the case and hopefully avert the tragedy that befell their family.

Time-travel stories have always been problematic, demanding either an extra degree of credulity on the part of the audience or an extra level of explanation on the part of storytellers, which is invariably cumbersome. Frequency handles the troublesome time paradoxes by having John explain how, having altered his past, he now experiences both timelines, as if he's had two pasts that converge in his present. And as changes continue to be wrought in John's past, we see him becoming more and more confused. No doubt the audience can sympathize, at least those of us who try to follow the ramifications of the rapidly accruing time fractures. Luckily, the bond between father and son is so strongly realized in the deeply felt performances of both Caviezel and Quaid that you don't even need to consider the science fiction elements in order to enjoy the film. But if you can suspend your disbelief long enough to allow for the possibility of time shifts, you'll have a far richer experience. --Jim Gay

Average review score:

underrated classic
It's not unusual for fathers and sons to have trouble communicating. But no gap has ever been wider than the one bridged in Frequency (PG-13) when a meteorological anomaly reunites a troubled New York cop with his deceased dad by letting them converse via ham radio 30 years apart. This intelligently written thrill ride (part Back to the Future, part Field of Dreams) tugs heartstrings as it races to a wild climax.

In 1969, fireman Frank Sullivan died in the line of duty, leaving behind his loving wife and 6-year-old son, John. But the past is about to change. In 1999, John uses the mysterious radio and clarity of hindsight to save his dad's life-a noble act that creates a devastating wrinkle in the fabric of time-that father and son must iron out together.

Frequency employs intense violence as the Sullivan boys try to thwart a serial killer. Persistent alcohol use and about 30 profanities also get in the way of this film's many positive messages.

The pluses? Seemingly insignificant actions alter lives forever (a reminder that behavior has consequences). Frank and John feel responsible for the ripple effect they have created and risk their lives to help others. Scenes model affection in marriage and issue a wake-up call to workaholics. With a soft spot for second chances, the film recognizes the value of healthy two-parent homes and makes a powerful anti-smoking statement.

Male bonding over electronic gizmos and baseball minutiae (specifically the '69 World Series) won't attract hoards of teens to the local cinema. Rather, they'll want to see Frequency for its mind-bending premise and sheer velocity.

One of those movies you'll watch over...and over...
The year 2000 wasn't very good in the movie department. Remember the Titans and Frequency were the only good films I've seen that came out that year. Frequency just so happens to be the most underrated year of 2000. Still, both are excellent movies that one (who is old enough to stand a few scenes of violent/gorey content) should consider viewing.

Frequency is the story of John's (James Caviezel) realization that he can talk to his presently dead father through his old radio. Through this new discovery, John saves his father's, Frank's (Dennis Quaid, who also gave a great performance in the wonderful movie Dragonheart), life, which triggers a series of serial murders. One of the new victims include Frank's wife, and John's mother. While trying to save the other victims, the two have to find out who the serial killer is, and stop him.

This movie is just a classic. It makes you laugh, makes you cry (I can't remember if I did, but just in case I did, I'll mention it anyway), and makes you remember how important the family is. I highly recommend this film. Oh, yeah, one more thing-I would recommend watching this movie twice or watching it with someone who has watched it before and can explain what's going on before passing judgement. Luckily, I watched this movie for the first time on home video and had my mom with me to explain things to me (she had already seen it in movie theaters). Also, if after watching Dennis Quaid's (as well as everyone else's) great performance, and you want to see another excellent movie he's been in, I would highly recommend Dragonheart, which is also featured on this website.

Gripping, Tense and Moving
What a great film! I really enjoyed pretty much everything about this movie. Not only did it keep me on the edge of my seat (which rarely ever happens to me anymore with movies) but the father/son relationship is one of the best I have ever seen in a film and I have seen quite a few that deal with this theme. Surprisingly due to the sincerity of the performances and the realistic and exciting direction that never seems to let up the time travel angle really works. Within the context of this world/story it is completely plausible and not in a goofy way like say Back To The Future. In this story it serves a deeply rooted purpose. This is a very suspenseful movie and I warn you it can even get a bit scary at times. Job well done by all that were involved in the making of this movie.

Roe vs. Wade
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studios (26 August, 1992)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Average review score:

an reflection of the trial
I'm in the study of the video. In my movie class, anylizing it is my Homework. So ... Holly Hunter is very cuty... Mrs.Weddington was very hard in going through. In this point, this video contains the meanig of some Feminism. ... After some time... So ..Good Bye

Pro-Choice-The Real Story
I never knew the details of how abortion came to be legal; the actual story of what her background, circumstances, and courage brought to light. This woman went through and was put through so much, just to make her life better. Little did she know what impact her tenacity would have on us all!

This is a moving account of not only one woman's individual struggle, but the integral role our justice system played. Debra Winger nailed this performance.

Primal Fear
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (06 May, 1997)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, and Edward Norton
Newcomer Edward Norton became an instant movie star in 1996 with three amazing performances in Primal Fear, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and Everyone Says I Love You. Make that four amazing performances, because in Primal Fear he plays a young man named Aaron Stampler whose personality seems to be divided in two: one tough and cynical, the other shy and fearful. Richard Gere plays Martin Vail, the slick Chicago attorney who defends Aaron on charges of brutally murdering an archbishop who may have sexually molested Aaron and other boys in his parish. The courtroom suspense is nail-biting as the jaded hotshot Vail comes to care about the case and the defendant. This is one of the better legal dramas of recent years, with plenty of juicy twists and turns. Frances McDormand (who was soon to win an Oscar for Fargo) plays a psychiatrist. --Jim Emerson
Average review score:

A Star is Born
This film is a second rate thriller involving Richard Gere, a prominent Chicago attorney, and his defence of an alter boy in a brutal murder case. The movie is engaging for the most part, although there are annoying subplots that are never fully developed and therefore a drag in the picture. The real action in this picture is the electrifying screen debut of Edward Norton. Norton plays the alter boy, Aaron Stampler, accused of killing the archbishop he worked for. This truely is a stunning performance, that garnered several awards and a best supporting actor nomination from the Academy. Norton gives Stampler so much depth and emotion it is hard to believe he could hurt a flea, let alone be guilty of such a brutal crime, despite the evidence against him. A twist of plot explains this and it would be unfair to spoil it for people who have not seen this movie. Norton is flawless and Gere is solid as ever, so this is a picture people should checkout.

GEREAT MOVIE!
First off, "Primal Fear" is an excellent movie, and shows why Richard Gere is such an underrated actor. His performance as Marty Vail is right on target, and is probably the best work he has done in films. Laura Linney, Andre Braugher and Frances McDormand were top notch as well. Even Alfre Woodard's minor role as the judge was brilliant. And of course, we can't overlook the Oscar-nominated performance of Edward Norton. I don't remember who won, but Norton should have. It's an understated, complex performance. Notice his eyes when he's the soft and gentle Aaron; then notice them again when Roy emerges. What a stunning turnabout!
Now, if you've read William Diehl's book upon which this movie is based, you have the distinct benefit of understanding a lot more about Stampler's background and driving forces. Unfortunately, the movie could not provide a real motivation for Stampler's murder of the archbishop. If the movie has shortcoming, it's that it never really explains why Aaron killed him. And the book has a lot more involving the alternate Roy that also helps deepen the complexity of Aaron/Roy. The chilling ending, however, in both the book and the movie, still packs a tremendous wallop. If you liked this movie, read the entire Marty Vail series by Diehl; if you think Aaron was bad in this one, wait till you see what he does in the future!
Oh, by the way, Gere and Linney's relationship was one of the most honest I've seen in some while; wish we could have seen more of why they really had "split," so to speak.
A great movie, though.

Norton is amazing PRIMAL FEAR is a keeper
Edward Norton wowed us all beyond speech with this performance. He so convinces us of who he is throughout the film; we are betrayed, shocked, and dismayed when he reveals himself to us. Outstanding performance here. His chemistry with Gere is entertaining to watch. Gere delivers a believable, caring performance. Linney is solid, as an angry DA once a lover of Gere's. Terrific plot. Worth watching again and again

Primal Fear
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (29 May, 2001)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, and Edward Norton
Newcomer Edward Norton became an instant movie star in 1996 with three amazing performances in Primal Fear, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and Everyone Says I Love You. Make that four amazing performances, because in Primal Fear he plays a young man named Aaron Stampler whose personality seems to be divided in two: one tough and cynical, the other shy and fearful. Richard Gere plays Martin Vail, the slick Chicago attorney who defends Aaron on charges of brutally murdering an archbishop who may have sexually molested Aaron and other boys in his parish. The courtroom suspense is nail-biting as the jaded hotshot Vail comes to care about the case and the defendant. This is one of the better legal dramas of recent years, with plenty of juicy twists and turns. Frances McDormand (who was soon to win an Oscar for Fargo) plays a psychiatrist. --Jim Emerson
Average review score:

Norton is amazing PRIMAL FEAR is a keeper
Edward Norton wowed us all beyond speech with this performance. He so convinces us of who he is throughout the film; we are betrayed, shocked, and dismayed when he reveals himself to us. Outstanding performance here. His chemistry with Gere is entertaining to watch. Gere delivers a believable, caring performance. Linney is solid, as an angry DA once a lover of Gere's. Terrific plot. Worth watching again and again

I don't think he did it!!! It was Roy!
Ok, first off, I watched this movie when it came to theatres in 96, and I thought the ending was so messed up, but I was only 14. Young Ed Norton (one of my favorite actors) was outstanding. Going from stuttering innocent little alter boy Arron Stampler, to diabolical, foul mouthed, ruthless Roy. The movie had suspense, some humor, originality, and a surprise ending, which entertains you from beginning to end. And in real life this could happen. That is why it's hard to prove insanity because they get off so easily in the court of law. Richard Gere deserved an award for this film too. Playing the part of a naive and optimistic attorney. I felt like the end defeated the whole purpose of the beginning and middle, but hell i didnt expect it. It was a well thought out unexpected twist. It's a great movie, and it's been on tnt like every night. If you wanna see the actual movie with all the adulterated scenes left in, rent it.

Two words -- ED NORTON
Since I have never really been a big fan of Richard Gere, I ignored this movie when it was in the theaters back in '96. One night at the video store, I wanted a mystery/drama and thought "what the heck, it cannot be that bad." 2 hours later, after watching it once, I wanted to watch it again.

Ed Norton delivers an amazing and very disturbing performance. Although this was his first major movie, he created a character that one moment you feel for and the next ... well I will let you learn that from the movie. Richard Gere is also very good in this movie. He sheds light on the good and bad side of defending the accused. The movie takes you step by step through his investigation and you understand why his character believes in Norton's character so much. As a law student, the court room aspect of the movie is a little weak, overall it is the best legal thriller avaliable.

Fallen
Released in VHS Tape by Turner Home Video (04 February, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Denzel Washington and John Goodman
Although it received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike when released in 1998, this supernatural thriller benefits from a sustained atmosphere of anticipation and dread, and its combination of detective mystery and demonic mischief is handled with ample style and intelligence. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit (who fared better with Primal Fear), Denzel Washington plays detective John Hobbes, who witnesses the gas-chamber execution of a serial killer (Elias Koteas). But when another series of murders begins, Hobbes suspects that the killer's evil spirit has survived and is possessing the bodies of others to do its evil bidding. Even Hobbes's trusted partner (John Goodman) thinks the detective is losing his grip on reality, but the dire warnings of a noted linguist (Embeth Davidtz) confirm Hobbes's far-out theory, and his case intensifies toward a fateful showdown. Although its idea is better than its execution, and the story's film noir ambitions are never fully accomplished, this slickly directed thriller has some genuinely effective moments in which evil forces are entwined into the fabric of everyday reality. Among the highlights is a memorable scene in which Detective Hobbes must track the killer as the evil spirit is transferred between many people via physical contact. Even if the film is ultimately less than the sum of its parts, it's an intriguing hybrid that resides in the same cinematic neighborhood as Seven and The Silence of the Lambs with a cast that also includes Donald Sutherland and James Gandolfini. Included on the DVD is a full-length audio commentary by director Hoblit, screenwriter Nicholas Kazan, and producer Charles Roven. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

superior to seven
Fallen has the "Seven" type feeling. The film is mixed with drama, suspense, mystery, and horror. Not to mention this film has almost absolutely no gore. It has a reliable and clever plot. Fallen is about a detective named John Hobbes, who is played by Denzel Washington. He has caught a killer named Edgar Reese who is about to be executed. Reese tells Hobbes a riddle before he dies. When another murder occurs, Hobbes finds the same riddle scrawled on the wall. He unravels the clue and begins to discover that the true being responsible for the murders is a demon called Azazel, who can move from body to body by simple touch. This film features many chilling scenes that involve Hobbes trying to keep up with who Azazel has just possessed. The supernatural twist in this movie makes it more interesting than seven, and the unique characters, especially Azazel, make this film one of the best suspense movies of all time.

A Good Thriller Made Perfect By Denzel's Born Talent...
The story itself is a step away from the more common crime/scandal dramas and powder-puffed action suspense movies, not to mention the 'Man's daughter is kidnapped, Kidnappers die, Man and daughter hug and live happily ever after' scenerio which will forever pop up with popular and talented actors (Don't Say a Word-2001, Swordfish-2001). 'Fallen' is a suspense film, yes, but with a fictional dangerous-religion twist combined with the star power and more importantly tremendous acting talent of Denzel Washington. A detective, (Denzel Washington) becomes the target of a fallen spirit's vengeance who can travel from human to human by way of a simple tap or touch. Denzel untangles the ncient mystery of this demon and consequently becomes a timid believer in it's existance and power. The movie has an eery feel and a well-supported cast including veteran actor Donald Sutherland and part-timer on the big screen John Goodman. It's unigue expression of the vengfull demon story and the beautifully done dialogue by Denzel Washington make it what I think a terrific film, not another 'Hollow Man' that most would enjoy only once for its' FX and then let it drop to the world of Star Trek fans and sci-fi people. This mysterious suspensefull drama is interesting, well-acted and worth a good amount of credit in its' originallity and good direction. And for a small number of you, guess what, it has James Gandolfini! Oh wow, yes rent it because its' got what ever his first name Soprano in it. I hate that show, don't look for a review of mine there.

Great film!
Denzel Washington gave an outstanding performance, as usual. The film was mysterious, suspenseful, creepy, eerie and very entertaining. What's not to love? I really liked the supernatural element, but it scared me so badly that I could barely stand to watch it. I was so wrapped up in the film that the ending made my feel very uneasy. I've watched the film several times. The first time I missed the beginning and was lost through out the film right along with Hobbes but that made it even better because it kept me just as eager as Hobbs to figure out what was going on. The second time I watched it I saw the beginning and felt that it gave too much away. Once you know the who, what and why - it looses something and makes the film seem to drag a bit. All in all though, still one of my favorite films.

Fallen
Released in VHS Tape by Turner Home Video (04 February, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Denzel Washington and John Goodman
Although it received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike when released in 1998, this supernatural thriller benefits from a sustained atmosphere of anticipation and dread, and its combination of detective mystery and demonic mischief is handled with ample style and intelligence. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit (who fared better with Primal Fear), Denzel Washington plays detective John Hobbes, who witnesses the gas-chamber execution of a serial killer (Elias Koteas). But when another series of murders begins, Hobbes suspects that the killer's evil spirit has survived and is possessing the bodies of others to do its evil bidding. Even Hobbes's trusted partner (John Goodman) thinks the detective is losing his grip on reality, but the dire warnings of a noted linguist (Embeth Davidtz) confirm Hobbes's far-out theory, and his case intensifies toward a fateful showdown. Although its idea is better than its execution, and the story's film noir ambitions are never fully accomplished, this slickly directed thriller has some genuinely effective moments in which evil forces are entwined into the fabric of everyday reality. Among the highlights is a memorable scene in which Detective Hobbes must track the killer as the evil spirit is transferred between many people via physical contact. Even if the film is ultimately less than the sum of its parts, it's an intriguing hybrid that resides in the same cinematic neighborhood as Seven and The Silence of the Lambs with a cast that also includes Donald Sutherland and James Gandolfini. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

superior to seven
Fallen has the "Seven" type feeling. The film is mixed with drama, suspense, mystery, and horror. Not to mention this film has almost absolutely no gore. It has a reliable and clever plot. Fallen is about a detective named John Hobbes, who is played by Denzel Washington. He has caught a killer named Edgar Reese who is about to be executed. Reese tells Hobbes a riddle before he dies. When another murder occurs, Hobbes finds the same riddle scrawled on the wall. He unravels the clue and begins to discover that the true being responsible for the murders is a demon called Azazel, who can move from body to body by simple touch. This film features many chilling scenes that involve Hobbes trying to keep up with who Azazel has just possessed. The supernatural twist in this movie makes it more interesting than seven, and the unique characters, especially Azazel, make this film one of the best suspense movies of all time.

A Good Thriller Made Perfect By Denzel's Born Talent...
The story itself is a step away from the more common crime/scandal dramas and powder-puffed action suspense movies, not to mention the 'Man's daughter is kidnapped, Kidnappers die, Man and daughter hug and live happily ever after' scenerio which will forever pop up with popular and talented actors (Don't Say a Word-2001, Swordfish-2001). 'Fallen' is a suspense film, yes, but with a fictional dangerous-religion twist combined with the star power and more importantly tremendous acting talent of Denzel Washington. A detective, (Denzel Washington) becomes the target of a fallen spirit's vengeance who can travel from human to human by way of a simple tap or touch. Denzel untangles the ncient mystery of this demon and consequently becomes a timid believer in it's existance and power. The movie has an eery feel and a well-supported cast including veteran actor Donald Sutherland and part-timer on the big screen John Goodman. It's unigue expression of the vengfull demon story and the beautifully done dialogue by Denzel Washington make it what I think a terrific film, not another 'Hollow Man' that most would enjoy only once for its' FX and then let it drop to the world of Star Trek fans and sci-fi people. This mysterious suspensefull drama is interesting, well-acted and worth a good amount of credit in its' originallity and good direction. And for a small number of you, guess what, it has James Gandolfini! Oh wow, yes rent it because its' got what ever his first name Soprano in it. I hate that show, don't look for a review of mine there.

Great film!
Denzel Washington gave an outstanding performance, as usual. The film was mysterious, suspenseful, creepy, eerie and very entertaining. What's not to love? I really liked the supernatural element, but it scared me so badly that I could barely stand to watch it. I was so wrapped up in the film that the ending made my feel very uneasy. I've watched the film several times. The first time I missed the beginning and was lost through out the film right along with Hobbes but that made it even better because it kept me just as eager as Hobbs to figure out what was going on. The second time I watched it I saw the beginning and felt that it gave too much away. Once you know the who, what and why - it looses something and makes the film seem to drag a bit. All in all though, still one of my favorite films.

Fallen
Released in VHS Tape by Turner Home Video (04 February, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Denzel Washington and John Goodman
Although it received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike when released in 1998, this supernatural thriller benefits from a sustained atmosphere of anticipation and dread, and its combination of detective mystery and demonic mischief is handled with ample style and intelligence. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit (who fared better with Primal Fear), Denzel Washington plays detective John Hobbes, who witnesses the gas-chamber execution of a serial killer (Elias Koteas). But when another series of murders begins, Hobbes suspects that the killer's evil spirit has survived and is possessing the bodies of others to do its evil bidding. Even Hobbes's trusted partner (John Goodman) thinks the detective is losing his grip on reality, but the dire warnings of a noted linguist (Embeth Davidtz) confirm Hobbes's far-out theory, and his case intensifies toward a fateful showdown. Although its idea is better than its execution, and the story's film noir ambitions are never fully accomplished, this slickly directed thriller has some genuinely effective moments in which evil forces are entwined into the fabric of everyday reality. Among the highlights is a memorable scene in which Detective Hobbes must track the killer as the evil spirit is transferred between many people via physical contact. Even if the film is ultimately less than the sum of its parts, it's an intriguing hybrid that resides in the same cinematic neighborhood as Seven and The Silence of the Lambs with a cast that also includes Donald Sutherland and James Gandolfini. Included on the DVD is a full-length audio commentary by director Hoblit, screenwriter Nicholas Kazan, and producer Charles Roven. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

superior to seven
Fallen has the "Seven" type feeling. The film is mixed with drama, suspense, mystery, and horror. Not to mention this film has almost absolutely no gore. It has a reliable and clever plot. Fallen is about a detective named John Hobbes, who is played by Denzel Washington. He has caught a killer named Edgar Reese who is about to be executed. Reese tells Hobbes a riddle before he dies. When another murder occurs, Hobbes finds the same riddle scrawled on the wall. He unravels the clue and begins to discover that the true being responsible for the murders is a demon called Azazel, who can move from body to body by simple touch. This film features many chilling scenes that involve Hobbes trying to keep up with who Azazel has just possessed. The supernatural twist in this movie makes it more interesting than seven, and the unique characters, especially Azazel, make this film one of the best suspense movies of all time.

A Good Thriller Made Perfect By Denzel's Born Talent...
The story itself is a step away from the more common crime/scandal dramas and powder-puffed action suspense movies, not to mention the 'Man's daughter is kidnapped, Kidnappers die, Man and daughter hug and live happily ever after' scenerio which will forever pop up with popular and talented actors (Don't Say a Word-2001, Swordfish-2001). 'Fallen' is a suspense film, yes, but with a fictional dangerous-religion twist combined with the star power and more importantly tremendous acting talent of Denzel Washington. A detective, (Denzel Washington) becomes the target of a fallen spirit's vengeance who can travel from human to human by way of a simple tap or touch. Denzel untangles the ncient mystery of this demon and consequently becomes a timid believer in it's existance and power. The movie has an eery feel and a well-supported cast including veteran actor Donald Sutherland and part-timer on the big screen John Goodman. It's unigue expression of the vengfull demon story and the beautifully done dialogue by Denzel Washington make it what I think a terrific film, not another 'Hollow Man' that most would enjoy only once for its' FX and then let it drop to the world of Star Trek fans and sci-fi people. This mysterious suspensefull drama is interesting, well-acted and worth a good amount of credit in its' originallity and good direction. And for a small number of you, guess what, it has James Gandolfini! Oh wow, yes rent it because its' got what ever his first name Soprano in it. I hate that show, don't look for a review of mine there.

Great film!
Denzel Washington gave an outstanding performance, as usual. The film was mysterious, suspenseful, creepy, eerie and very entertaining. What's not to love? I really liked the supernatural element, but it scared me so badly that I could barely stand to watch it. I was so wrapped up in the film that the ending made my feel very uneasy. I've watched the film several times. The first time I missed the beginning and was lost through out the film right along with Hobbes but that made it even better because it kept me just as eager as Hobbs to figure out what was going on. The second time I watched it I saw the beginning and felt that it gave too much away. Once you know the who, what and why - it looses something and makes the film seem to drag a bit. All in all though, still one of my favorite films.

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