Interviewing Eric Bana (Black Hawk Down, Troy) and Joel McHale (The Soup, Community) was quite the departure from the tone of their movie Deliver Us From Evil. As you listened above, both Bana and McHale have great chemistry together and it helps that they both have comedic backgrounds.
“In a weird way, comedy and horror are very similar because they both really are dependent on timing” says Bana.
And the movie had a good dose of comedy to help balance the tension. But make no mistake, the movie may have comedic elements but as mentioned in the interview, the movie is a horror/thriller and it did not disappoint. The movie focuses on Bana’s character Sgt. Ralph Sarchie who investigates a series of crimes that all have a connection to one another. The investigation leads him to teaming up with an uncoventional priest (Edgar Ramirez) to combat the possessions that are terrorizing the city and exorcise the evil.
“It was cool working with Scott (Derrickson) on this film. I probably wouldn’t have done the film if it was a first time director,” says Bana “to be honest the material would have been too much of a risk.”
Director and writer Scott Derrickson is no stranger to horror films with The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Sinister to name a few on his impressive resume. Deliver Us From Evil is based on a book by Ralph Sarchie, Beware The Night, which follows the accounts of Sarchie’s time as an NYPD officer. Having already directed a horror movie base on actual accounts (The Exorcism of Emily Rose), Derrickson was the perfect man to helm this story.
The movie itself follows a basic formula. No-nonsense cop investigates strange cases. His sixth sense tells him something is not ordinary. But sticks to his conventional beliefs. Encounters priest that shows him something not of this world. Still holds on to a logical explanation to the case. He encounters personal trauma from his deep involvement. He finally let’s go and opens his mind to the unconventional and is able to solve and close case.
Despite the tried and true formula, the movie offers more than just the conventional with a strong cast of actors. Eric Bana delivers a believable performance as an experienced police officer that has seen it all. Joel McHale is funny when he is not funny. He provides the right sarcastic balance to Bana’s more somber role. Olivia Munn (Jen Sarchie), known to many of us geeks for her work in television especially on Attack of the Show, has built up quite the acting resume. And she surprisingly does not disappoint. She plays Ralph’s wife Jen, who is his rock at home and keeps him level-headed in the midst of all the supernatural cases he is dealing with. Father Mendoza, the “specialist” priest played by Edgar Ramirez gives a good performance and provides ample guidance in the supernatural to Sarchie. The actors all had great chemistry with leading man Bana and gave this movie more credibility than it would with a cast of newcomers.
If you are looking to escape to the cinemas this week for July 4th, the studios are releasing an eclectic mix of movies to ring in Independence Day. Earth to Echo provides the sci-fi family fare. Snowpiercer if you are looking for a smart action flick. If comedy is in your agenda, then Tammy is perfect for you. Or check out Deliver Us From Evil if you want to delve into the supernatural.
Deliver Us From Evil:[usr 3]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TgHldrvLrA
About the movie
Synopsis: In DELIVER US FROM EVIL, New York police officer Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana), struggling with his own personal issues, begins investigating a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest (Edgar Ramirez), schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the frightening and demonic possessions that are terrorizing their city. Based upon the book, which details Sarchie’s bone-chilling real-life cases.
Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Scott Derrickson, Paul Harris Boardman, Ralph Sarchie, Lisa Collier Cool
Starring: Eric Bana, Joel McHale, Olivia Munn, Edgar Ramirez, Sean Harris
Company: Screen Gems, Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Rated: R
Releases: July 2nd, 2014
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