I don't know if there is a name for someone who really enjoys watching exorcism movies, but I'm that person. I watch them all and I've never regretted seeing any of them. I could probably write a script for one; they really don't vary that much, but there is usually a little something that makes each one stand apart.

The score of 7 that I'm giving this one is ranking it with all other exorcism movies, and I've never seen one that I would rank below 4. Actually, my score would be a 6 and 1/2 if I could give that.

(SPOILER ALERT) Let's look at some of the tried and true elements in this one: The Vatican is concerned and sends a Cardinal to investigate; a kindly local priest is present; a beautiful girl is possessed; an evil bird or two makes its presence known; the possessed girl causes one or more people to maim or kill; the unexpected happens during the exorcism.

It's that last part about the actual exorcism that gets some high points from me. When's the last time you saw the guy performing the exorcism holding a knife to the girl's throat, pulling a chain around her neck to kill her? This Cardinal could care less about the girl's health because he realizes this is just not any demonic possession--this girl is possessed by the Anti-Christ itself, and that's something that shakes the Vatican to its core. Major demonic activity during the exorcism--what's not to like? Contrary to some other reviews, I liked the photography, I thought it very good. The acting was also pretty good, and the possessed girl really did a fine job of projecting a crazy demon persona. Michael Pena was good as the kindly priest; he's really only an average actor, but you can't help but like him in any part.

Djimon Hounsou plays only a small role back at the Vatican. It's a shame he was not the one to travel to America to perform the exorcism. The last scenes are of Michael Pena in the Vatican talking to Hounsou. Looks like Pena has been recruited to be second in command of the huge archival collection of "the Devil's work on earth." Just before they get on the elevator, Hounsou turns and says to Pena: "Come and see." Now that rang a familiar bell from Sunday School days. In the book of Revelations one of the Four Beasts says in a voice of thunder: "Come and See." Coincidence? I think not.

The Vatican has maintained tapes of possible satanic possessions over the years. Vicar Imani (Djimon Hounsou) shows Cardinal Bruun (Peter Andersson) the case of Angela Holmes (Olivia Taylor Dudley). Two months earlier, her boyfriend Pete Smith (John Patrick Amedori) throws her a surprise birthday party with her father (Dougray Scott) attending. She cuts herself with the cake knife and reluctantly goes to the hospital. Strange things start to happen including her unquenchable thirst. She is hospitalized. There's an incident and the police is called in but Father Lozano (Michael Peña) sees the supernatural. Angela is put into a group home under the supervision of psychiatrist Dr. Richards (Kathleen Robertson).

It's a horror without scares. It's plodding. It has no style and no pace. It has worthwhile actors but not all of them stick around. It should have Father Lozano as the protagonist since he's the most natural point of view. Angela could work if it goes more into the demon world. The story is flat and unoriginal. It's on the slow boil and stays there. It's security camera footage and slow moving plot. There is some attempt at atmosphere. The exorcism doesn't have pea soup but it does have CGI fire. This was released theatrically but it's more fitting as one of the countless VOD offerings.

The film opens as if it going to be a documentary on the various exorcism tapes collected by the Vatican, but in the first few minutes Cardinal Bruun (Peter Andersson) knows this is going to be an anti-Christ/exorcism film from watching Angela (Olivia Taylor Dudley) move her lips, perhaps giving away too much too soon. And we know how these things end. The anti-Christ either dies or it don't.

Yes, we can all say "been there done that" and was done better. I particular liked how they did the first hour of the film and Olivia Taylor Dudley did a convincing job.

Guide: No F-bombs. No sex or nudity. Some sex talk.