Rating: 
Summary: Decent Start....Bad Follow Through
Review: I was skeptical when I first rented this movie b/c I thought that it would be an Exorcist ripoff. However, I was pleased to discover that it did contain some originality in both the storyline and the effects. Although, after watching the movie I was left with a several questions regarding the plot and the characters. Overall, the idea/concept for this movie is rather thought provoking but the story leaves far too many loose ends. I thought that Byrne gave a fine perfomance, Arquette's was weak (maybe it was just her character) but the movie is by no means 'whole'. You will finish this movie asking yourself "What?".
Rating: 
Summary: Religious Truth vs. Science Fiction Fantasy - Mind Bending!
Review: I found Stigmata to be "edge of the seat, nerve-chilling stuff" .....a new and interesting theme for the science fiction genre. Can it (science fiction) get any deeper than "the crucifixion" and what happened those last hours?
Rating: 
Summary: Mind boggling, yet entertaining in every aspect...
Review: This nerve, chilling end of your seat thriller is ranked up there with all the suspenseful movies. This movies is far better because of the concept of deleted scenes and the terrific alternate ending. This movie is a must for everybody even the people who are scared of demon-like people or characters. Try your best to view this terrific film.
Rating:
Summary: A STICK IN YOUR HEAD FOR AWHILE MOVIE
Review: Stigmata is one of those select "freaky" movies that stick in your head for some time after viewing it. Although much different than The Exorcist it has the same freaky qualities. For instance, in some of the scenes Franckies voice is that of a monster that conflicts her looks; this will make the hair stand on the back of your neck. When watching the movie you never know if she will be possesed or not, you will find you are always on edge. I was disatisfied with the ending although it fits. The alternate ending (directors)is much better than the theatrical ending.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent alternate ending
Review: I wasn't sure about buying this DVD or not, but when I saw the alternate ending, i knew it was a good investment. I can't understand why they changed this ending, I'm sure they have had much better critics. There is an option where you can see the movie with this ending... it's excellent, the kind of ending I was expecting for this kind of movie....
Rating:
Summary: Just rent, buy, beg ,borrow (but don't steal) this vid....
Review: Acting is first rate, direction and cinematography are excellent, the special effects are done in such a way that aren't insulting and you can discuss it with your friends, co-workers and neighbors. I think the box office was unfair when it came out in the theatres and it deserves a second releasing at the movies...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting alternate version
Review: I've just come away from watching this DVD. I have mixed feelings. A very interesting concept and one that I have personal interests in; I am not 'religious' in the sense of attending a particular church or faith, but I have spent many years studying the nature of theologies. It was interesting to see a film put forward an alternative view to a mainstream audience. Acting performances were generally good and the visual style added to the tone; losing colour over time as Arquette fades away. I was particularly struck by the alternate ending which fitted the general tone of the film much more than the theatrical release's 'happy ending', increasing the impact of the film. The film did skim over some parts of the plot and could have had more substance and structure, but overall I found the film interesting and enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Cinematographic Exposure of the Vatican's Will to Power
Review: The ever-so-attractive Patricia Arquette plays Frankie (a derivative of St. Francis of Assisi) Paige, an all-to-hip hairstylist who enjoys hanging-out at industrial/techno clubs with her one-dimensional boyfriend Steven and equally one-dimensional co-worker Donna (Nia Long from Ally McBeal). Anyway, Frankie, a devout athiest, becomes inflicted with the marks of the stigmata (how many of the five? watch the dvd and find out) and Father Kiernan (Gabriel Byrne) investigates her inflictions, while he's involved in a political power struggle with the Vatican, as represented by his superior Cardinal Daniel Houseman (Jonathan Pryce). Gabriel Byrne is a very boring and predictable actor, and the 'romance' that he's half involved-in is ludicrious and must have been suggested by the studio. Anyway, this movie is replete with stunning camera shots that flush-out multifarious symbols: doves, blood, water, ascension of water, trains, Aramaic characters, etc. This film borrows much from _The Exorcist_ when it incorporates demonic-ish possession (actually, it's simply the possesion of freedom: freedom from the boundaries of bureaucratic churches and nature, which are replaced with a reliance on faith -- very similar to the writings of Kierkegaard regarding faith in _Fear and Trembling_), but it is far more cinematographic than any of the Exorcist films ever were. My favorite aspect of the film was the fantastic portrayal of Cardinal Daniel Houseman's (as an individual symbol for the Vatican and the bureaucratic social institution of the Catholic Church) Will to Power in doing everything possible to stifle the Gospel of John, even resorting to murder and excommunication of an entire church. Cardinal Houseman acts in much the same fashion as Aguirre in Werner Herzog's _Aguirre: the Wrath of God_. This film incorporates enough symbols and religious history that a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation could be written centered on this film and related subjects. Anyway, to the special features: I prefer the director's ending and this dvd's best feature is the deleted scene entitled "Steven and Frankie Get it On" (phewwwww, Arquette has a perfect 10 for a body! ). The deleted scene with Frankie graphically stabbing herself is also excellent. I recommend purchasing this dvd, as well as the book _The Gospel of Thomas_ and, if you're really wanting to explore religion, Aliester Crowley's "The Book of the Law" or the "The Book of Abramelin the Mage".
Rating:
Summary: PHOOEY ON THR CRITICS
Review: I saw this film before it was reviewed by msjor critics (something we ahould all do) and was greatly impressed by it. The photography and special effects in particular are very strong. Byrne and Arquette did a credible job considering some ackward scenes and dialogue. Sure, it is no Excorcist but excellent in its own right.I was surprised to see how mercilessly it was bum rapped by many critics although not by the amazon.com commentators.
Rating:
Summary: TRUTH IS THREATENING
Review: I almost didn't rent this film. thought about the lousy reviews and nearly put it back on the shelf at Blockbusters. So Much For Listening To Critics. It is an old school of thought about the real 'religious' significance of the 'church', and a new one about the truth coming to light. This film helps that 'new' school of thought along. I can understand why it was bashed. The Papal is a billion dollar business. No need for churches? Priest? Great elaborate halls of worship? What will Rome do? God is in you? In fairness I can see where people picked up on the exorcist/omen angel, but to dismiss the film as a result of it allows their organized religious 'slip' to show. If your looking for food for thought, another option to who is in charge and how, then pick this one up.If the idea that the church is one big money making fallacy incenses you, skip this one. Overall it was a good film and it taught me not to let the critics decide my taste.
|
