THE CHURCH (1986)
Starring Barbara Cupisti and Tomas Arana
Available in unrated and R-rated versions, this flawed collaboration between director Soavi and producer-writer Dario Argento is something of a follow-up to the first two "Demons" films. It has an opening that is a bit too reminiscent of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and a snail's pace for too much of the story.
Restoration of an ancient Hungarian church leads to trouble when a curse is unleashed, trapping visitors and priests alike inside.
It's a pretty dull picture, aside from some nifty gore, and was a step down for the director, who had made an impressive debut with the slasher pic "Stage Fright." The first two thirds are basically an investigation of the church's history and aren't very interesting. Like so many flawed films, the story is lacking because there isn't a clear protagonist to identify with.
However, the last third, which has a group of people trapped inside as the evil is unleashed, is definitely pretty cool, although not very original. One scene is a shot-for-shot remake of the rape-by-the-devil scene in "Rosemary's Baby." Way too derivative. I mean, we are talking shot for shot rip off.
There aren't demon possessions like the ones that occur in "Demons" parts 1 and 2. Much of the horror that takes place only happens in the victims' minds. But the effects and sets are pretty cool. Most memorable scene: Probably when someone impales himself on a jack hammer. Also, a very young Asia Argento has an important role. It's fun to see her as a girl, and also interesting to note that her dubbed voice seems to change with every movie.
Soavi would go onto greatness by making the awesome "Cemetery Man."