Review: ‘Exorcist II: The Heretic’ Fully Deserving of Worst Film in History Status

“Exorcist II: The Heretic” is considered one of the worst films ever made. This 1977 movie is a sequel to “The Exorcist” considered by some to be a horror classic. To be fair, I found the original to be mediocre. But I understand its place in the history of horror. With this, I agree with the consensus. “Exorcist II” sucks.

Linda Blair reprises her role as Regan MacNeil. Regan is now eighteen, and seemingly over her ordeals in the first movie. Linda Blair is fun to watch. She was a disfigured kid in the original, and here is a charming young woman.

Regan is under the care of Dr. Gene Tuskin (Louise Fletcher) who I instantly recognized as the vile Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” fame. Fletcher is also a steady actress, and far above the awful aspects of this movie.

Veteran actor Richard Burton plays Father Philip Lamont. James Earl Jones makes an appearance. Hollywood legend Paul Henreid plays The Cardinal in what would be his final performance.

“Exorcist II” has a trippy open, and I thought the potential for horror was there. Maybe it was just a bad horror movie. Which can be fun to watch. But no. It’s a bad movie. There’s no scares whatsoever. Literally none. It’s boring. Slow. Confusing. And what’s the deal with all the locusts? (Seinfeld voice) don’t these people have any Raid?

It sucks. It’s awful

The quotes and comments from critics of the era are damning. And all spot on. The worst come from William Friedkin – the award winning director of the original movie. “I thought it was as bad as seeing a traffic accident in the street.” Said Friedkin. “It was horrible. It’s just a stupid mess made by a dumb guy – John Boorman by name, somebody who should be nameless, but in this case should be named. Scurrilous. A horrible picture…the worst piece of crap I’ve ever seen…a freaking disgrace. That film was made by a demented mind.” Wow William, tell us what you really think!

There’s nothing more to add. This movie is awful. Is it the worst ever? No. But coming as a follow-up to a classic, anything less than good would be a disaster. And that’s exactly what this one is.

“Exorcist II: The Heretic” can be found but should be avoided.

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