THE PLOT THUS FAR
When a church in a remote area reports strange happenings, a team of Vatican investigators set out to the British West Country to demystify the unusual sounds and events. However, what they come to discover proves to be more disturbing than what they could have ever imagined.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Final Prayer” could easily be dismissed by most. However, I saw echoes of Marshall’s work on “The Descent” and elements of far greater Euro horror. Plus, the sound design on this film was so amazing that I’m angry we didn’t get an HD master for the film in America. Outside of that, you have a very plain horror movie that doesn’t capitalize on anything. Does every horror film need to blow your socks off? Of course not, but again it returns to my old chestnut. If you dabble in horror, do something that sets it apart.
Why does the Vatican seem to have a team of investigators ready at the drop of a hat anymore? This time, we have a church time playing in a mix of Blair Witch and The Descent to craft a tale that just feels average. Whenever we get a moment that sparks originality, it’s matched by inane character types that never work to produce something greater than its parts. It’s frustrating to see a movie get so close to something great and then flounder. But, such is the nature of horror cinema. Great visuals, great sound and little to hang it all together. I feel that a far more experienced director could’ve hung it together better, but then you’d still have the originality complains from the peanut gallery.
The DVD comes with a featurette and digital copy as the special features. The A/V Quality is on par for most recent standard definition releases. The transfer isn’t amazing, but it works. The same goes for the Dolby 5.1 audio track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 02/24/2015