The Visitation

I rented this movie recently. I never read the original novel, but I knew of Frank Peretti's works. Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything great, but I must say I was surprised to find the film pretty good. Not earth shattering good, but quite a decent flick. For a low-budget, direct to DVD supernatural thriller, I think it's a step above the usual. Quality wise the acting, direction, and special effects is better than most faith based films like "Left Behind". The mystery element to the plot is what kept me watching. Trying to figure out what's happening is what I think helps drive the story. There is suspense, but it's not really too scary. However, I would recommend parents to watch this film with children under 13. I think the PG-13 rating is quite appropriate for the film's content. In the end, "The Visitation" is overall a good picture. Nothing I would buy, but something worthwhile to rent. Recommended.

Looks like the guy that wrote the review before me has some issues. I suspect the film affected him or her in a way that would be say, uncomfortable. My wife and I watched it tonight and were pleasantly entertained. We're both relatively fundamental Christians, and myself am very familiar with Frank Peretti since he wrote "This Present Darkness" in the late 80's. I will be recommending this movie to other believers I work with. It holds the viewer's attention, and alludes to a few New age religious areas that are not so healthy. Yoga being one of them. Sort of risky to do that and the truth may be painful to some. Predictable ending but hey, we know the end of the big story anyway. See it.

In Antioch, the former Father Travis Jordan (Martin Donovan) lost his faith on God three years ago when his beloved wife was murdered and the criminals never found. Suddenly, miracles happen in the little town: the son of the newcomer and veterinary Morgan Elliot (Kelly Lynch) survives a car accident without a single scratch; Travis's dog Max revives after being buried; a paraplegic walks; a wounded woman and her father with brain tumor heal. In all the events, three men wearing black were seen, and then the unknown Brandon Nichols (Edward Furlong) claims to be Jesus Christ. The local population worships Brandon, while Travis and Morgan feel that something is wrong and conduct an investigation, disclosing that evil has possessed the dwellers.

"The Visitation" is a great film that begins like an episode of "X-Files" and has a very scary conclusion. The intriguing story is disclosed only in the end, when it seems that there is no more hope for the good against evil, and I am impressed with the imbecile associations with Christians that I glanced in IMDb. "The Visitation" is a great horror movie, no matter if you are atheist or religious, with a good story of the fight between good and evil. My advice is, if you like horror films, watch this movie and you will not regret. The flaw in the story is the accident with Michael Elliot, who stays safe and sound in the end. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Visitante" ("The Visitor")

the book is awesome, potentially life changing. the movie captures probably 1/8th of the content of the book. the book is about "doing church" and contrasting that with having a relationship with Christ. Its sharp and wise observations of people and their organizations alternately enlighten and bring tears. I've wanted my wife to read the book for a long time and watching the movie together sent the completely wrong message. so many characters and stories are missing only to focus on the weakest part: the actual supernatural activities of the false "Christ". The background stories are what make the book so powerful. I can understand that they would make the move too long and actually push the film into another genre, but I was disappointed at what was actually there.

Other than the budget, I went into this film knowing very little about it. I must admit that, for the first half-hour or so, I was distracted by the unusual shooting style which didn't seem to fit the flow of the story. However, as the film moved along, the jagged, misframed shots made more and more sense.

As the story unfolded, I found myself increasingly intrigued, and even uneasy. Peretti has a talent for hooking his audience, and then taking them for an unusual ride, and "The Visitation" was no exception.

For the minimal budget, this ended up being a very strong effort. I would definitely recommend it for teens and older audiences, but it may be a little too creepy for younger kids.