John Boorman directs Linda Blair, Richard Burton and Louise Fletcher in this horror sequel where a faltering priest investigates the death of Father Merrin and the fate of Regan.

As with many a sequel to a classic that underwhelms, this has a toxic reputation. And to gives the haters their due ExII is silly, unpredictable and features acting that feels press ganged out of its stars. It rarely works as a horror. And yet I enjoyed camp moments like Burton doing a terrible job of putting out a small fire and Blair’s completely inscrutable revival of Regan. Is she still possessed by Pazuzu or is it just awkward acting? Whenever Boorman veers into epic fantasy the project is fascinating. Vivid, demented. Just not very The Exorcist. The IMDB trivia page is defined by everyone’s excuses as to why they did it and why it isn’t their fault. I kinda liked it.

5

Perfect Double Bill: The Exorcist (1973)

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