Fallen (1998) Review: Denzel Washington vs. The Unseen Evil

**Simon** (0:00)
Time to review the movie Fallen from 1998
Fallen, directed by Gregory Hoblit, is a supernatural thriller that attempts to blend elements of crime, drama and action into a cohesive narrative. The film stars Denzel Washington as Detective John Hobbs, who finds himself embroiled in a mysterious and dangerous investigation following the execution of a notorious killer, Edgar Reece, played by Elias Koteas. The plot thickens as Hobbs realizes that Reece's spirit, or perhaps something more sinister, continues to wreak havoc by possessing various individuals.
The movie opens with a gripping flashback, setting the stage for a story that intertwines the supernatural with the gritty reality of police work. Hobbs, a dedicated and honorable detective, is portrayed as a man who values his family and his work. His partner, Jonesy, played by John Goodman, provides a touch of humour and camaraderie, while his superior Lieutenant Stanton, portrayed by Donald Sutherland, adds an element of tension and authority. Despite its intriguing premise, Fallen struggles with pacing issues, particularly in its opening act. The film takes its time to establish the supernatural elements which might test the patience of viewers expecting a more immediate thrill.
The narrative unfolds like a police procedural, with Hobbs piecing together clues that lead him to Greta Milano, played by Embeth Davidtz, the daughter of a disgraced cop who may hold the key to understanding the malevolent force at play.
Visually, the film attempts to create a noir-like atmosphere, with Hoblit employing washed out greens and yellows to depict the demon's point of view. While these stylistic choices add a unique touch, they sometimes feel overused, detracting from the overall impact. The film's reliance on Christian mythology and the concept of a fallen angel named Azazel might not resonate with all audiences, particularly those who find such themes simplistic or unengaging. Denzel Washington delivers a solid performance, though his portrayal of Hobbes lacks the darker, more introspective qualities typically associated with noir protagonists. His character is more of a conventional hero, which might not fully align with the film's intended tone. The supporting cast, including Goodman and Sutherland, provide competent performances, though their characters are not particularly memorable. Fallen does have its moments of suspense, particularly during a chase scene where the demon's ability to jump from body to body creates an eerie sense of unpredictability. However, the film's climax, while engaging, feels somewhat mechanical and inevitable, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. In summary, Fallen is a film that offers an interesting concept, but falls short in execution. It provides a few thrills and an engaging performance from Washington, but its pacing issues and reliance on familiar tropes prevent it from becoming a standout in the genre. While it may entertain those looking for a supernatural thriller with a crime twist, it ultimately leaves a lingering sense of what could have been. Well, that's my review of Fallen, and I'm giving it 3 stars out of a possible 5 stars. Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed this review, please like, subscribe, and I hope to see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.