William Peter Blatty directs George C Scott, Brad Dourif and Ed Flanders in this serial killer thriller set in the aftermath of The Exorcist.

Did we watch The Exorcist III? No, I wagered that the recently re-edited “Legion” cut would be the best option on Arrow’s double disc release. This draft can be a tad incoherent. A lot of the resurrected footage is grainy poorly lit VHS copy. Which is fine when watching lengthy scenes of Brad Dourif in his cell spouting devilry but there are times when it is a singular two second shot! The distraction of switching formats means it takes you right out of the growing dread. The best stuff is untainted. There are four or so DePalma worthy dreamlike tension sequences, all ending in huge jump scares. A gruff Scott gives it his all. When it goes hard into horror it goes really hard. Legion might never be an easy ride, and I’m guessing the tonal confusion might still exist whatever version you watch, but I’m pumped to give the studio cut of Exorcist III a revisit sooner rather than later. A bastard movie but a very effective one in spits and spots.

7

Perfect Double Bill: Dominion: A Prequel To The Exorcist (2005)

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