The Prophecy

Gregory Widen (1995, USA)

Cast: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Eric Stoltz, Virginia Madsen, Amanda Plummer, Viggo Mortensen

Plot:
Martin (Elias Koteas) plays a priest who lost his faith and became a cop instead. The archangel Gabriel (Christopher Walken) has started a war in heaven, because he dislike that God cares so much for the humans. As long as there is a war in Heaven, no souls can leave the dead bodies. Gabriel searches the earth for souls he can use in his army and Simon (Eric Stoltz) is trying to stop him. Martin figures out what's going on and join forces with Simon.

Appreciation: 7/10
I’m not sure what to think about this one. It is an interesting movie under many aspects, but I was left with a feeling that it didn’t grasp me where it should have. The plot was well crafted but it lacked something, I dunno what, but some kind of sparkle that would’ve made it special. The acting solid, especially for an unknown "horror" movie. Walken is great (as always) as an ambiguous villain. But the characters could have been developped much more. We are left with so many things unanswered or unexplained. For exemple, Thomas’s dreams have something to do with the angels, but what is it exactly? What is the extent of the angel’s powers? Gabriel and Lucifer seem to have some amazing powers but the other angels seemed quite human to me. Something that annoyed me (though its nothing, really), that sniffing the angels were doing all the time. What is it all about?
Another strong point, the imagery was exemplary, it reminded me of Argento at some points (not the entire movie, unfortunately). Some scenes are totally gorgeous, some others are plain ordinary.
The ending was too much "american-eesh", and could have beneficiated a little more thoughts..
It's an interesting movie, especially the whole theological thoughts put in there, but it's probably the kind of movie that needs more than one watching to fully appreciate.

Other suggestions: Prophecy 2 & 3