10 Worst Horror Movies Of 2023 (So Far)
9. The Pope’s Exorcist
Sometimes it's ok to enjoy a film for all the wrong reasons.
"Wrong reasons" in this context means "Russell Crowe's hilarious Italian accent".
In this sort-of true story, Big Russ takes on the mantle of Father Gabriele Amorth; a man who claimed to have performed thousands of exorcisms in the Diocese of Rome. Thankfully, audiences weren't made to sit through that many rituals, as Amorth comes up against just the one possessed boy in this film.
Is there much to separate this story from every other exorcism movie?
Nope, not really.
It's a pretty straightforward affair as Father Amorth goes back and forth on how to rip the wretched demon from the youngster's body. There's nothing inherently wrong with the plot, it just isn't very original.
And then there's Russell.
Crowe's imposing screen presence certainly helps add gravitas to such a big role, but his hopeless attempt at copying the priest's voice completely detracts from all of that.
If you're after big, silly, horror-infused fun, with a hint of pantomime acting thrown in, then you might enjoy The Pope's Exorcist.
If you're looking for anything other than those things, then stay well away.