Stigmata

Rating:
Summary: OK, so it's not all that bad.
Review: Upon watching Stigmata again, this time with the alternate ending on the DVD edition, I found that this version of the film is a much more emotional one, and definitely the better of the two. Also, some things were missed by me in my first viewing of the film, things, I regret to say, make my first review of the film obsolete. The scenes in which Frankie is being attacked by the stigmata are full of religious overtones, especially the scene in the subway where she is stretched out as if she were Jesus on the cross. I also enjoy the scenes in Frankie's apartment, where her candles give the room a sort of calm sense. The movie wonderfully portrays 90's culture and its clash with the church. Performances given by Byrne and Arquette are very believable and unique, especially for a very religious actress playing a confirmed athiest. Again, I apologize for my slanderous and inaccurate review of Stigmata, for it is not a terrible movie; it is worth watching.

Rating:
Summary: "Churchians" beware!
Review: When a film centers its plot as strongly around the practices of a particular religious sect as "Stigmata" does Catholicism, one can assume the film will be an attempt to comment on that sect, or at least some aspect of that sect's traditions.

"Stigmata," though, steps quickly out of the path of genuine, or even alarmist, commentary as Arquette's "Frankie" becomes more and more deeply involved in the weird spiritual legacy symbolized by the rosary of a dead South American priest.

This priest, whose position on the "good guy-bad guy" scale is at best questionable throughout the film, has given his life to the pursuit of the "true" historical Christ. Does director Wainwright admire or condemn him for this? It's hard to tell--in the theater version of the film, we see the late priest only as demon possessor (the source, perhaps, of the "Exorcist" echoes); it's only in the DVD's deleted prologue that we see the priest, tormented by his struggle against the Catholic hierarchy, fling himself from his church steeple. Perhaps this scene had been intended to win our sympathies for the poor source of Frankie's suffering. But even with the scene included, we still are left to wonder just whose side God is on--or is Wainwright trying to say that the church has killed God? (And if so, why the optimistic alternate ending?)

As theologically vague and spiritually empty as the film seems to be, though, it does qualify in my book as a high-quality psychological thriller. Pretend the stigmata are caused by simple demonic possession, and that Jonathan Pryce and his goonies are, oh, Nazi agents, rather than priests; if you can ignore the failed attempt at religious commentary this film is an excellent view.

Rating:
Summary: It's About Time!
Review: I was very pleased that someone finally produced this sort of movie. It may offend some people to watch it, but the truth behind the film sends a clear message to those that take advantage to the weak minded. The plot was well thought out and kept the viewer interested from begining to end. If you watch this movie, watch the DVD version not some much for the picture quality but for the added features. The alternate ending is worth the extra cost for the DVD and makes the movie more complete.

Rating:
Summary: Between 4&5 but it's far from perfact
Review: Scarry.......NO Entertaining.......YES

I found the DVD version to be an excellent purchase with the addition of the 2nd ending. Kinda Resembles Blair Witch in a way, but Stigmata is scarier and no dizziness factor. On the downside I thuoght the movie needed more suspense. Although Stigmata portrayed the subject very well the acting needed improving, especially from the priest.

Rating:
Summary: PHENOMENAL
Review: All I can say is that I was awe struck. As a person who went to Catholic school I found some of the information in the movie very interesting...the fact that they claim the Vadican witholds info from us is definitly not far fetched and I found the effects to be really realistic. The movie gripped me and reeled me in, although I admit I was not one of the people who expected "the exorcist" by any means. This movie has almost nothing in common with the exorcist. I will say that 2 other movies have similar subject matter...End of Days and The Omega Code. You may want to check these two out although personally I find Stigmata to be the best. This movie is gripping with real visual stimulation and if you have interest in religion..it's a definite must see.

Rating:
Summary: Good one
Review: When I saw the premiere of this film I thought this is going to be another stupid horror with no meaning. I saw thousands of those and nearly all of them were trash. But not Stigmata. I knew in the first minute that it's gonna be different as I expected and it was. A lot of mystery combined with art and great acting. The story is also good. I think it's an interesting plot: The Stigmatas. The film is not perfect but I think it's really worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Stigmata is a winner...
Review: This was a great film. It wasn't jump out of your seat scary, but still very thought provoking and engaging. Byrne and all the actors involved do an excellent job. It had a great ending that wraped up any and all questions that one might have. (Contrary to a different review, it's very easy to understand why the girl was possesed by the priest.)And a great soundtrack to boot. Billy Corigon (probably mispelled) of Smashing pumpkins does a great job. All around great film anytime of the year.

Rating:
Summary: Eye Opening
Review: I'm not sure why some people think this was a takeoff of "The Exorcist". Granted, the person was possessed, but that was it. I think I lot of people missed the real message behind this movie that organised religion is a farce. If you really think about it, if there was a Christ, would he want people worshiping him. Would he want "representatives" asking people for money. One just has to look at all the prophets on television to really understand the point behind this film. Also, I think the alternate ending should have been used for the movie. The picture quality was very good and the effects very realisic. Great movie.

Rating:
Summary: Not nearly as awful as I anticipated!
Review: Stigmata - I expected this one to be a real bore. After all, nearly every review I read and every word-of-mouth comment I received told me that it was little more than an extended, direction-less Mtv video-like clip. You know, lots of flash, a pretty girl outfitted in trends-of-the-moment and a rehashed exorcist plot. I outgrew Mtv around the time of my 25th birthday. So, when I found myself caught up in it almost immediately I was more than a little surprised. The story didn't blow me away by any means and it didn't frighten me. What it did do was entertain me and that's all I ask for after a long stressful week.

The non-theatrical ending made so much more sense (and was much more affecting) than the tacked on happily ever after Hollywood ending. I feel for those tortured movie go-ers who unwisely did not wait for the home release and had this version inflicted upon them.

4 stars go to the *real* ending, 2 stars for the lame Hollywood version.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing Take on "The Exorcist"
Review: Being Roman Catholic, I should have found this offensive, but then I realized what it was: a movie. A block of plastic that I shove into a box of plastic connected to a larger box of plastic with a glass part on it. The plot was good, and the acting was good. The intriguing part was, that, instead of being possessed by that wretched Bill Gates--Err Satan, she's possessed by a disgruntled ex-priest. I do not appreciate the way the Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, and large gaudy yellow rings were portrayed in this movie, however. Worthy of at least a rental, unless you're easily offended.