“Fallen” (1998) starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland & James Gandolfini / Z-View

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Fallen (1998)

Director: Gregory Hoblit

Screenplay:  Nicholas Kazan

Stars:  Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, Robert Joy.

Tagline: Don’t trust a soul.

The Plot…

Detective John Hobbes is surprised to find serial killer Edgar Reese is so cheerful when he is about to be executed.  Reese shows no remorse as he taunts the witnesses and sings “Time is On My Side” as justice is served.

Following Reese’s execution, a new series of murders occur.  The killer uses the same methods as Reese.  Detective Hobbes and his partner Jonesy believe a copycat is at play.  As they investigate the new murders, friends and strangers begin to say and do strange things around Hobbes.  It is almost as if they are taunting him.  It is especially disconcerting to hear them sing “Time is on my side”.

Then Hobbes discovers an occult connection to Reese.  Could it be possible that a demon took possession of the humans behind the murders?  If true, this demon can transfer from one body to another simply by touch.  Hobbes cannot believe that a supernatural force, a demon, could be involved.

Then the demon makes it’s presence known.

Hobbes is at a loss.  How do you defeat a demon that can possess anyone around you?  One thing is for sure… he can’t trust a soul.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Fallen is better than I thought it would be.  Much of that credit goes to the cast — especially Denzel Washington, John Goodman and James Gandolfini.

Other taglines for the film include:

  • I ALMOST died… – this  is a good one, but only makes real sense after seeing the movie.
  • Detective John Hobbes is searching for a criminal he’s already met… already caught… and already killed – is a bit too spot on and long
  • Time is on my side…. – is perhaps my favorite (along with the one on the poster I used).

Fallen (1998) rates 4 of 5 stars.