It's cold and flu season, and what better time to release a movie that showcases just how communicable diseases can be. Of course we're not talking about viruses or germs, but instead demonic possessions that are transferred just by coming into physical contact with someone else. That's just one of the brilliant touches of "Fallen," an effective mixing of the detective and supernatural genres that should please fans of those types of films, and may just become a crossover hit with mainstream audiences.
Directed by Gregory Hoblit (Emmy award winner for some TV cop shows and director of 1996's surprise hit, "Primal Fear") and written by Academy Award nominee Nicholas Kazan ("Reversal of Fortune"), the film has all of the necessary spooky elements to give the film an overall creepy feeling. Shot in Philadelphia (by cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel), Hoblit has given the film a near Gothic and very cold look -- all of which, of course, adds to the film's feel.
While some viewers may find the initial proceedings (and perhaps the entire film) a bit too slow for their liking, that element only adds to the overall creepy atmosphere. The pace does pick up as the story progresses and fortunately Hoblit and Kazan have littered the movie with clues that allow us to play detective along with the lead actors. That device works by drawing us into the plot, and one can never tell where the story's going to go next. In addition, by allowing the "villain" to pass from one body to the next, they keep us in the dark and on the edge of our seats wondering who will next host the demon. Thus, we, like the lead character, never know where he or she will pop up next.
Beyond the potential criticism about the movie's pacing, many will probably be put off by Hoblit's use of voice over narration from the main character. As I've said many times before in other reviews, it's an obtrusive element and is often used because it's the path of least resistance in telling a story (ie. It's the easiest way to impart information). Fortunately it's not used too often, but in the times that it does occur, it destroys the scene's mood. Often there's a nice, dialogue- free scene that's building momentum on its own and suddenly we're subjected to some silly introspective bits of free flowing consciousness from the main character.
While that device allows us inside Hobbes' head, the film makers could easily have dropped it without harming the story. Now to be fair, there is a clever wrap around use of that voice over narration that ties the beginning and end together into a clever twist. Pulling that off without the narration would have been difficult, so I'll give them a little slack for that. Regarding that ending, it's a wild, highly imaginative and completely unexpected twist that makes you appreciate the film even more. Whereas most films nowadays have decent setups, they often fall apart near the end as we plod along toward the highly predictable conclusion. Not so with this film.
What also makes the film standout and efficiently work is the cast, and that's especially true for the charismatic lead. I've always liked most of the various roles Denzel Washington has played throughout his career. As Hobbes, he once again lends an instant charm and credibility to his character. While some may complain that he's underplaying the role (occasionally being too calm considering what's happening), I think it's the proper take on how to play the character. While he won't earn any Oscar nods for this portrayal (like he has for several roles in the past), he does create a sympathetic person who, with assistance from the writer and director, allows us to join him on this increasingly horrendous journey.
John Goodman (best known from TV's "Roseanne") perfectly fits the bill as the supportive partner, and he and Washington create characters who do feel like they've been partnered together for some time. Donald Sutherland gives yet another take of his now stereotypical, overbearing creepy guy, but is effective for what's asked of him and his persona actually pays off by the end of the film. Embeth Davidtz ("Schindler's List") is okay in her role, but it feels as if some of her footage must have been left on the editing room floor. Her character is vital to Hobbes' investigation and exploration, and there don't seem to be enough scenes involving her and her knowledge on the subject.
Even so, the film is a highly effective thriller that has many "fun" moments. Along with the twist filled ending, there's a wild sequence where the demon chases Gretta down a crowded street. No ordinary chase, the demon uses the domino effect (one person touching another who touches another and so on) to quickly chase after her. Additionally, the whole element of Hobbes finding himself essentially reliving the exact story of a former police officer gives the film an interesting spin as he must figure out how to avoid ending up like that last guy.
The film has enough suspense and detective elements to thrill moviegoers, and contains an aptly used Rolling Stones song, "Time Is On My Side." As you leave the theater humming or softly singing that song (be careful -- you don't want to spook the people nearby -- you'll understand after you see the film), you'll realize that this movie easily stands out from the rest of the usual beginning-of-the-year dreck that will also be taking up space in the multiplexes. We really liked this film and thus give "Fallen" an 8 out of 10.