Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 2, 1995 TAG: 9509060023
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The key combatants are angels involved in an eons-long war with each other. These angels are not halo-topped sweetie-pies who float around performing the odd miracle. To these creatures, humans are "talking monkeys" who have usurped their favored place in the presence of God.
For most of the film, it's hard for Harry (Elias Koteas), a priest-turned-cop, to know which side to take in the conflict. On one hand, Gabriel (Christopher Walken at his dead-pan creepiest) is willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. But since he can't drive, his mobility is limited. His opposite number Timothy (Eric Stolz) seems to be looking for a soul to steal.
The object of their attention is a young Arizona Indian girl whose only protection is her elementary school teacher (Virginia Madsen).
First-time director Gregory Widen, who also wrote the script, handles things with the assurance of a veteran. He got first-rate performances from a seasoned cast, and he gave the whole film a gritty, intense look that fits the subject. The whole matter of religious faith is taken seriously; it's not just an excuse for bizarre special effects. Widen also avoids most of the genre's cliches, and the film's intelligent black humor keeps it from being too heavy.
In the end, "The Prophecy" may be too off-beat to appeal to a large mainstream audience. For fans, though, it's one of the best and most original horror films in years. Recommended.
The Prophecy
***
A Dimension Films release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View 6. 90 min. Rated R for violence and some profanity (which really bothers angels a lot).
by CNB