Review: ‘The Last Exorcism Part II’

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Americans love a good exorcism like we love a good picnic. There’s something about the extraction of a dark ancient demon from a whole-hearted, church-going adolescent that warms our hearts and leaves us feeling a little safer in this evil world of ours. With so many “evils” in the world that we strive but fail to eradicate, we leap at the opportunity to witness good prevail over evil. And so viewers have gathered in herds to see the latest “good conquers evil flick”, “The Last Exorcism: Part 2.” 

A follow up to its predecessor, The Last Exorcism: Part 2 follows Nell (Ashley Bell) a teenage girl who, on several occasions, is host to a pretty nasty demon named “Abalam.” In the follow up, she has escaped her small traditional hometown where everyone has died –presumably at the hands of her demonic blackouts –and has been placed in a school for girls where she will finally be cured of her evil ways. As you might guess, Abalam just can’t live without Nell and finds his way back into her heart.

Along with a few distortions that give Cirque de Soleil a run for their money, the plot seems fitting for an exorcism flick. However, the films desperate attempt to contrast Nell’s innate purity from the demons evil creates an awkward compilation of public service announcements. At the all-girls school, Nell is introduced to rock music for the first time and even attends Mardi Gras in Louisiana, where the story is set. The old age notion that rock music is the devil’s music and New Orleans is the devil’s playground is cheaply reinforced.

But the biggest PSA of all in this film has to be abstinence. “If you give in, then all hope is lost,” Nell’s father warns her. Apparently, Abalam’s got a pretty big sexual appetite and Nell is just his type. He creeps into Nell’s bedroom every night and attempts to “woo” her which makes for awkward moments as viewers watch Nell make out with her hands and dry hump the sheets. I can’t think of a better way to get adolescents, who watch this PG-13 film, to refrain from their natural desires. Why worry about an STD when you could possibly be possessed?

Overall, the film gives us what are frivolous hearts are looking for: chilling acrobatics, creepy voice-overs and enough sexual innuendo to make a tomato blush.

2 Comments

  1. Great review. I really loved The Last Exorcism and was so excited for the sequel. But I got to say I left the theater feeling disappointed. I think this movie brushed off the great elements of its predecessor and left us with a simply average horror movie. And I don’t know if the world needs another possession movie.

    If you get the chance, check out my full review on my blog. I review Horror Movies and could always use more feedback.

    http://horrormoviemedication.blogspot.com/2013/03/click-here-for-spoiler-free-review-plot.html#Last

  2. What a disappointing movie! The original The Last Exorcism wasn’t a masterpiece but at least had something to say: this movie instead is lacking tension, fear, rythm, good lines and freshness.
    Poor Ashley Bell, she’s to good for these kind of things.

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