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The Reaping

(2007) Horror - Rated R

Directed by: Stephen Hopkins

Starring: Hilary Swank, David Morrissey

Overview: A former Christian missionary who lost her faith now debunks religious phenomena.

RATINGS:

  • The Reaping

    A former Christian missionary (Hilary Swank) who now debunks religious phenomena encounters biblical plagues in a small town.

    Reviews

    REELZ REVIEW
    "As a movie, The Reaping is exactly what it seems: crappy...."  [more]
    — Thomas Leupp

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    • Thomas Leupp

      ReelzChannel.com, April 05, 2007


      Oh God, what have I gotten into?


      In the years since M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense popularized the term "supernatural thriller," the phrase has become increasingly synonymous with "pretentious crap." When affixed to a script, the description should rightly send any skilled actor running for the hills. Certainly, a two-time Oscar winner like Hilary Swank should know better than to give such a project a second look. And yet, here she is, starring in The Reaping.


      Swank should heed the cautionary example of Halle Berry, a fellow Oscar winner who followed up her achievement with a series of career missteps, including the dreadful supernatural thriller Gothika, a movie that looks positively brilliant when compared to The Reaping.


      The Reaping's plot takes its cues from that wellspring of innovative storylines, the Bible -- the Old Testament specifically -- and the famed ten plagues sent by God to teach those naughty Egyptians one unforgettable lesson. A few thousand years later, it seems the plagues have returned, this time to harass the unfortunate residents of small Louisiana bayou town called Haven. With all sorts of crazy events of a biblical nature occurring around them, the superstitious southern yokels of Haven are understandably a little freaked out.


      No, that's NOT Dakota FanningSeeking answers, one of them calls upon famed myth debunker Katherine Winter (Swank), a one-time minister (of course) turned university professor. Once a true believer, Winter apparently abandoned her faith after losing her husband and daughter while doing missionary work in Sudan. En route to Haven, she calmly anticipates another open-and-shut case. Upon arriving in the beleaguered town, however, she quickly learns that (surprise, surprise) things aren't what they seem.


      As a movie, The Reaping is exactly what it seems: crappy. Though it packs a few legitimate scares, most of the contrived plot twists can be seen coming a mile away. The plot is a shoddy amalgamation of SignsThe Omen and dozens of other superior films of its ilk. As it speeds towards its preposterous conclusion (even by the loose standards of supernatural thrillers), the movie becomes downright laughable.


      The Reaping opens nationwide Friday, April 6th, 2007.


      ReelzChannel Rating:  4

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  • Crew

    Director Stephen Hopkins
    Producer Joel Silver
    Producer Robert Zemeckis
    Producer Susan Levin
    Producer Herb Gains
    Executive Producer Bruce Berman
    Executive Producer Erik Olsen
    Executive Producer Steve Richards
    Writer Carey W. Hayes
    Writer Chad Hayes

MOVIE NEWS

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Friday, April 6

  • A modest proposal

    Poor, poor Hilary

    People of Hollywood: I humbly call for an industry-wide moratorium on so-called “supernatural thrillers.” In recent years, too many talented actors, including Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry and others, have fallen prey to the siren’s call of the genre. This week Hilary Swank, star of The Reaping, becomes its latest victim. I know that if we work together, we can put an end to this scourge that has tainted the careers of so many misguided souls.

    Check out our review of The Reaping.


    Hilary Swank Interview

    This Oscar winner talks about her latest movie.

    Posted 04/06/2007 by Thomas

    Hilary Swank | The Reaping

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