By Melissa Antoinette Garza
“If he can stop evil and doesn’t what does that say about him (God)” – Satan (Malcolm McDowell)
I rented this because Malcolm McDowell is awesome! When I found out it was a family film, I was a bit worried. I am happy to say this is one fantastic film. Though, the intention of the filmmaker seemingly fails. This is most certainly a religious movie attempting to convert. Instead, Satan is such a loveable and charismatic character, one can’t help but be drawn to him.
The film opens with Luke (Bart Bronson) preparing to kill the drunk driver who murdered his mother. As he searches for bullets, he finds the Bible and gets down on his knees upset he ventured so far from God.
He decides to sue the Devil (Malcolm McDowell), expecting him never to show up. Nonetheless, he walks into court and is ready to go. He hires the best team of attorneys who are all dressed in black and/or red.
When Satan walks in he’s hilarious. He calls Luke and idiot and a loser. He gives the Devil sign to everyone and the spectators cheer. He kisses the hands of all women and is charming. When one person gets in his face and tells him that he loves him and he loves the band Kiss, the Devil kicks him in the nuts and says that he hates Kiss. He’s more of a Tom Jones fan! F’N Awesome!
He also confesses to starting the wars and turning people against each other. He gives a philosophical speech and though he takes pride in the tragedies he discusses, the dialogue is very deep and should be listened to intently. Thankfully, with Malcolm McDowell – it’s impossible to turn away.
There’s a lot of Biblical talk and a lot of religious philosophy thrown away. Some of it is very interesting – in other sections, not so much, but whenever the Devil takes the stand, we’re in for a great time. He has so many great moments of dialogue. He has a soliloquy at the end which is amazing. He is such a tremendous villain and I am a fan of villains. Iago from Othello, Lex Luthor, Loki, The Joker, Bobby Heenan, etc. The villains are always more intelligent and more articulate. They are without the brawn yet can hold their own and more.
Bronson does well and his evolution and arc is interesting and at times heart wrenching. He’s a great actor that I hope to see him in other productions.
Though the movie is over the top, the entire cast does an excellent job. No one more than McDowell though. Whether Caligula, A Clockwork Orange, Class of 1999, or the voices of both grandpas on Phineas and Ferb – he’s amazing. He also gets sexier with age. He’s always been attractive but he is so distinguished now.
The conclusion is a little ambiguous. I choose to think that Luke endured a test from a higher power. Though I know it’s impossible, but I would have enjoyed the Devil winning at the end. It never happens. Whether thinking of the classic The Devil and Max Devlin, Oh God You Devil, The Devil’s Advocate, or The End of Days, the movies always end with the Satan losing. The only exceptions I can think of off- hand where the Devil wins is Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen. Very rarely does the devil gets his due, but when he does, it’s usually a delight.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
