10 Horror Movies That Made You Say 'WTF Were They Thinking'
2. "I Am Pazuzu" - Exorcist II: The Heretic
Exorcist II: The Heretic is an abject disaster of a follow-up to the legendary horror classic, and its biggest infraction of all? Verbally naming the returning demonic entity.
In the original Exorcist, the demon's name is never spoken aloud, despite it being called "Pazuzu" in William Peter Blatty's script. This is because director William Friedkin felt that the name was too silly for a serious movie, and insisted that it never be said in the film.
And as evidenced by the sequel, he was absolutely right.
Mid-way through Exorcist II, flashbacks show the demon possessing an African child and telling Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), "I am Pazuzu!"
Between the name and the rather comical line reading, it becomes impossible to take seriously, and even an actor as skilled as Richard Burton fails to give it gravity when he speaks it numerous times throughout the following scene.
There's a common thread among the many poor Exorcist sequels and spin-offs - ignore William Friedkin's advice at your peril.