Post by Dramatic Look Gopher on Dec 3, 2017 4:20:39 GMT
"Let me tell you about New York. Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. It has become a dwelling place of demons."
That quote perfectly sets the tone for things that are to come in this horror drama. It's John Grisham meets Rosemary's Baby, in which an egotistical small-time Florida lawyer is recruited by a major Manhattan law firm. Turns out the head of the firm is none other than Satan himself, and he has big plans for his young protege.
This lavish and handsome production effectively blends a mixture of practical effects with some CGI, and has the good sense not to overdo it. It's mostly plot driven and concentrates on certain dramatic aspects, especially when it focuses on the corruption and lack of scruples of law practice. This is the first time that Taylor Hackford directed a film with horror elements, he does a competent job on handling the scare scenes with great intensity.
Al Pacino delivers a magnificent performance as always, and he seems to be having a hell of a lot of fun playing Lucifer. But the other acting honor goes to the gorgeous Charlize Theron who skillfully plays the wife who starts off as happy-go-lucky, then gradually slips into the brink of madness. Keanu Reeves does a fine job as the ambitious young lawyer, but is easily outshined by Pacino and Theron.