THE VISITATION DVD Frank Peretti Review by Mary Katherine May

DVD The Visitation
based upon book of same name
Frank Peretti & Brian Godawa, Authors

Starring:Martin Donovan
Edward Furlong
Kelly Lynch
Randy Travis
Richard Tyson
Director: Robby Henson

Release date: 28 February 2006
Running time: approx. 103 min.
Rating: PG-13

This movie is not recommended.

I know there are a lot of horror genre movie fans, and it seems by the number of books sold by Frank Peretti and like authors there are many who are Christian. Without delving in-depth into the theological aspects of appreciating horror as a Christian, it is true that many times throughout Christian history events occurred that were truly horrific.

Need I bring up the most important? It would be the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, of course. The event itself is not more horrific than the martyr deaths of other Christians, it is the fact that Jesus who never sinned died the atoning death for us as a gift while we were still sinners. That Jesus was crucified, however, is not something from which I take any pleasure--as it seems the reason would be to desire watching and enjoying this genre.

THE VISITATION, in my opinion, is a movie that is within the horror genre. There are pastor and Christian character roles in the film, but to say there is a redeeming message of value that left an impression on me when the movie was over--well, it just didn't happen.

A movie of this ilk, with strange events, satanic forces influencing people and drawing them into the web of the bad guy's defeat, is not a movie I would choose to view at any time. This DVD, however, is one we stocked in our retail store, and I wanted to be informed because within books, movies, music, and other products given the name Christian, it is still very necessary to screen for content to discern that which is not inside reasonable belief parameters.

The story takes place in a town somewhere in the United States where everything is pretty much the same as everywhere else--troubled teens, single parents, bitter people, jobs, church, police, etc. Most of the roles are pretty stereotypical--this is a story of the "been there, done that" variety. Strange occurances start happening, and someone starts healing people. People are told that all that is necessary is to "believe", which is the BIG clue that anything this guy does is not from God since he doesn't mention Jesus or do what he does in the name of Jesus Christ.

People tell their tales of woe, some changes their ways--though if it is because of their belief in Jesus Christ is hard to tell. The bad guy in the end was abused as a child and no one listened or cared, so he had no choice but to turn to satan for help--that is the story line.

Folks, I can't recommend this film. It is not the acting or directing, it is a movie made too many times before from a story written too many times, and barely Christian entertainment. If the story wasn't Frank Peretti's, you may not even consider it to be Christian at all.

... babamarusia

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May,
owner of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/.