First, there was Edward and Bella in “Twilight.” Then came R and Julie in “Warm Bodies.” And now — Abalam and Nell from “The Last Exorcism Part II”?
Yes, you read that right. It would appear that not even exorcism movies are safe from the plague of supernatural romances currently flooding the movie screens.
After a quick recap of events from the first movie, “The Last Exorcism, Part II” picks up with a middle class couple discovering a still catatonic and animalistic Nell snuggling up to them in bed. Nell is placed in a home for girls, and at first, things go well for her. She makes new friends, meets a boy and decides that the demons of her past were all in her head.
But then inexplicable things start to happen, and it becomes apparent that the demon Abalam is very real and determined to get her back.
Why is Abalam so invested in Nell? Much like possessive vampires and stalker zombies, Abalam has fallen in love with Nell and is determined to keep her, no matter what the cost or how creepy she might find his attempts.
This plot twist completely ruined any credibility or scare factor the movie possessed. (And as a self-proclaimed chicken when it comes to scary movies, I can say that I laughed throughout more of the movie than cringed in fear.)
I also have to admit that I am confused about Abalam’s supposed capacity to love. Aren’t demons fundamentally destructive evil entities without compassion?
Another problem with this movie was its rather literal interpretation of demons seducing their victims into possession. In “The Last Exorcism Part II,” the moment Nell begins to give in to her sexual desires as a woman, she also begins to open herself back up to Abalam’s power.
Perhaps these rather glaring flaws could have been overlooked — or at least minimized — if the movie had been remotely creepy. Unfortunately, nothing ever happened.
There were a few masked and costumed figures lurking in the background at points, some eerie phone calls, several deaths and a few half-hearted attempts to rid Nell of the demon toward the end. If any of this sounds remotely scary, don’t get too excited. It’s not.
The only actual events that occurred took place in the last five minutes. What could have been a decent exorcism scene was killed by heavy monologue, ending in actions that the audience could see coming from within the first half an hour.
As is true with many sequels, it’s probably best for exorcism movie fans to ignore “The Last Exorcism Part II” altogether. Leave the camera lying in the woods; it’s a much more satisfying ending that way.
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