This movie was made to explain the back story of Father Lancaster Merrin. It isn't really a horror movie, which is why Morgan Creek Productions didn't release it into theaters and instead hired someone else to rewrite and reshoot a different version of it that had more horror elements to it. I can see why they didn't release it. The movie, while not bad, is nonetheless, lacking the excitement and creepiness that you expect from an Exorcist movie. Moreover, Father Merrin's backstory just isn't interesting enough.
While it may be true that only fans of the first movie (like myself) will appreciate this film, it is nonetheless a very worthy sequel. It might even be better than the first movie (blasphemy!) It does a very good job of capturing the essence of the first movie without ripping it off. I would only recommend this movie to Blade Runner fans though, as I feel the Blade Runner world is something that would only appeal to science fiction fans (like me).
If you like Jethro Tull, you should like this album. Especially, this re-release since it has bonus tracks that are just as good as the album proper. If you don't like Tull, then stay away. If the only Tull you like is the Aqualung album, then you might only like a few of the songs on here. If you never heard Tull before, then listen to a Greatest Hits album first.
If you're not a musician, this film may not interest you. In spite of that, the movie does offer a glimpse into the lives of session/touring musicians (aka "hired guns"). But it's just a glimpse. One gets the sense that there is a lot left out; that there is more story to tell, but couldn't find more hired guns to interview. The low point of the film is when it spends an inordinate amount of time slamming Billy Joel. One gets the sense that this is a hit piece on Joel. Even if the dirt they dish on Joel is true, it still doesn't belong in this movie. In spite of this, I would give "Hired Gun" a thumbs up - especially if you are a musician.
This movie is boring and uninteresting. But more importantly, it loses track of what The Ring is about. The Ring is ultimately about Samara - who she is, where she came from, how she does what she does. Instead, this sequel is about the relationship between Rachel (Naomi Watts) and her son Aiden. Hello! Nobody cares about that! Mo' Samara please!
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Towards the beginning of the film, at least 45 minutes are spent on ONE scene - it's a wedding followed by a wedding reception - where NOTHING happens. The plot is not furthered or anything; you just see a wedding ceremony followed by a reception where you see people dancing and drinking - that's it! For 45 minutes! By the time that scene is over, you don't even wanna watch the rest of the movie.
I love U2, so my opinion of this album is very biased. I think it is a near great album. Definitely glad I got it. If you are a U2 fan, you won't be disappointed.