38
Metascore
33 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertI admire The Rite because while it delivers what I suppose should be called horror, it is atmospheric, its cinematography is eerie and evocative, and the actors enrich it.
- 60Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzArizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzHafstrom creates a nice, creepy vibe, especially for the first part of the movie, which has a menacing atmosphere. Too bad he doesn't sustain it.
- 60Chicago ReaderAndrea GronvallChicago ReaderAndrea GronvallHorror fans may be disappointed by this handsome exorcism drama, which aspires to the serious religious feeling of William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" but delivers little of its shock or gore.
- 50VarietyJoe LeydonVarietyJoe LeydonWhile marred by cheap tricks and borderline camp, picture comes off as a largely low-key, intelligent effort.
- 50Orlando SentinelRoger MooreOrlando SentinelRoger MooreOnly Hopkins, readily referencing his bag of tricks, seems to get what to make of this "inspired by trues events (and a book by Matt Baglio)" hooey.
- 40The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Rite becomes more ludicrous as it goes along, with more than a few lines of dialogue from Michael Petroni's over-the-top screenplay eliciting unintended titters.
- 40Village VoiceNick PinkertonVillage VoiceNick PinkertonMichael's motivations remain arbitrary and inscrutable, right down to his entry into the seminary. This is brought up by a number of characters, who interpret his implausible career decision as A Sign. It is-of bad writing.
- 25Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanThe Rite commits the supreme sin of making the devil dull.
- 20Time OutJoshua RothkopfTime OutJoshua RothkopfHollywood's hocus-pocus machine has turned out swill like this before, but even ultra-observant Catholics will find their interest waning. Hammy acting should make nonbelievers of the rest.