Film Reviews

Priest

• Rating:
• Director: scott charles stewart
• Starring: Cam Gigandet
• Details: US/TBC TBC

A low-grade action flick that's more snarling than worthwhile, this film suffers from a cheese-ridden, clichéd script and horrible 3D. Paul Bettany is a well-respected thespian, but obviously has his sights set on becoming the next Arnie - evidently, that's where the benjamins are in Hollywood. He certainly looks the part and has the sufficient intensity required, but the British actor would be far better off in something more contemporary. Or frankly, something less crap.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a war between vampires and humanity has long finished, Bettany's priest was a former soldier who helped open cans of whoop ass on the aforementioned fanged bastards. See, in this world, Priests and Soldiers are pretty much the same thing - and when the war ended, the clergymen didn't have a whole lot to do, other than pray and brood. Bettany finds something to do with his time, however, when his family are attacked by a group of vampires. He defies the orders of his superiors and heads off to find the nocturnal carnivores responsible.
There seems to be a trend with 3D action features at the moment which makes it difficult to distinguish figures during night time sequences. You could have the best hand-to-hand combat sequence ever filmed, and you wouldn't be able to tell. It's probably a good thing, then, that Priest's action - which is really its main selling point - is flat and lacks penetration. You can forgive many things when the plot is contrived and the characters ridiculous, once the film you're making is fundamentally entertaining (Taken, The A-Team... Generally the latter part of Liam Neeson's career) - but Priest is just plain silly.
Bettany would be great in a Jason Bourne-type role, i.e. One which requires an imposing presence and genuine physicality. But after this and his last bash at action, Legion (he's working with the same director here), he may have blown his final chance at headlining such a franchise. Director Stewart showed promise with Legion; the film wasn't great, but he was good with the ensemble cast and the concept was solid. Similarly, Priest has a cracking concept, but an awful script and stilted performances. Bettany never stood a chance with this dialogue, while Urban and Gigandet come off even worse. The only actor that looks remotely comfortable is Maggie Q.
There are some decent special effects, but paying to see this, especially in 3D, would simply be a waste of both time and money.

Review by Mike Sheridan