The Unholy (1988) (Movie Review)
Directed By: Camilo Vila
Starring: Ruben Rabasa, Nicole Fortier, Ben Cross
Rated: UR/Region: 1/Widescreen/Number of disc: 2
Available from Lions Gate as part of an 8 film set
In New Orleans, a series of horrific murders of priests are occurring around the city’s Catholic churches. The diocese calls in Father Michael (Cross) to fight the powerful demon, known as Daesidarius, or The Unholy. The Father’s faith is tested almost to the breaking point as the demon – disguised as a stunningly beautiful lady – attempts to seduce Father Michael into breaking his vows. Father Michael soon learns how the Unholy works – by murdering the sinner in the act of sinning, then sending that person’s soul to Hell. Will this one priest’s inner strength be enough to stop this monster – or will he join the ranks of the other ill-fated priests?
There are a few things you might notice about The Unholy. We have some awesome gore moments here and there. We also have some rather lame creature effects towards the end, but it all seems to even out. There is a certain creepy vibe going on for much of the film that you got to respect as well. However, one of the things that might always stick with you is William Russ of Boy Meets World fame playing a satanic pimp with a speech impediment. Yes, we have hot demons and we got creepy religion themed visuals, but how can you not enjoy a satanic pimp who talks funny? Pure 80s goodness there and in a lot of other ways.
Of course the second part of the film doesn’t seem as cool as the first part of the film. We see some cool characters that seem to have roots running as far as the recent Astron 6 movie Father’s Day, but they can only go so far with the viewer here. Like I noted above we do have some awkward creature moments in the finale that seem to bring things as a whole down a bit and I don’t think everyone will be able to look over the fact. You still get a bit of an overlooked gem from the 80s here that would make for a nice edition to your horror movie marathon party.
– None
