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Back Shelf Beauties
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The Order I know I sound like a broken record, but, when a movie is not screened for critics, that's not a good sign. This isn't my pride speaking, or some desire to trash a studio because I had to pay to see the movie. I'm just telling the truth. These movies are hidden from people who will criticize them in an attempt to make a few quick bucks from moviegoers who won't know any better. The theory is that these moviegoers will base their decision to see the film from what they have seen in the commercials and trailers without interference from the critics, who will pan the movie. In reality, these moviegoers do not care about critics' opinions, so the scheme to hide the movie isn't worth it. I guess I'm trying to say that the movie stinks. Heath Ledger stars as Alex Bernier - a renegade priest with an outcaste order of the clergy. The formal church hierarchy has shunned his type of priest, but they desperately need Alex's services now. His mentor, Dominic (Francesco Carnelutti), has committed suicide, however, upon further examination, he may have been killed by a mystical figure known as the Sin Eater. Did the Sin Eater do it? Can Alex stop him? I found The Order to be extremely boring and incomprehensible. There are a few twists and turns, but it's hard to follow the plot because it doesn't make sense in a thrilling, interesting way. I don't attribute this to a brilliant script that challenges the audience. I attribute it to bad filmmaking and editing. Written and directed by Brian Helgeland (who can make better films than this), The Order doesn't move the plot along at a consistent pace. It starts very slowly, then, suddenly, a bunch of twists are thrown at the audience. What's the deal with the Sin Eater? What's his purpose? What is his relationship with Alex? These are perplexing questions that are half answered in a disappointing resolution. Even worse, Helgeland has a couple characters that seem to be significant, but they aren't developed properly to make their big moments meaningful. While the actors do a competent job, they don't get much to work with. Ledger is fine as the brooding outsider with an attitude, but his character never gets to be inquisitive enough for the situation. He puts his best work into scenes that don't have the foundation to be emotional because Helgeland hasn't developed the characters and story. Co-star Shannyn Sossamon plays the small role of forbidden love interest, but the script is always referring to some incident in the past that never gets explained to my satisfaction, while Mark Addy comes in as the best buddy who doesn't get any lines. He could have been used much better, but Helgeland quickly shifts the focus from two friends trying to solve a mystery to a battle between good and evil. It was too sudden for me. The Order has a couple cool looking special effects, but that's not enough to save it. Grade: D- Copyright 2003 - WaffleMovies.com
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