The First Power (1990)

How do you stop a killer with immortal powers? Lou Diamond Phillips stars as a hotshot L.A. homicide detective caught in a harrowing game with a man who lives to kill ' and cannot die ' in this psychological thriller that transcends mortal terror!After a long, gruesome hunt, Detective Russell Logan (Phillips) finally captures the brutal Pentagram Killer (Jeff Kober) and watches as the murderer is executed at San Quentin. Finally, the terror is over...or is it? When the ritualistic killings begin again, Logan is haunted by violent visions of the executed man and seeks the counsel of a beautiful psychic (Tracy Griffith). Together they discover that the Pentagram Killer, one of Satan's disciples, possesses the First Power ' the ability to inhabit the bodies of others at will! Now Logan has to catch the killer again, not knowing where, when ' or in whom ' he'll show up next! Charged with bone-chilling suspense and otherworldly evil, The First Power will scare the devil out of you!

"Fallen" is better

Police Detective Russel Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips) thinks that catching serial killer Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober) and sending him to the gas chamber will be enough to stop his killing spree. That is, until the killings start again and professional psychic Tess Seaton (Tracy Griffith) shows up in his life, insisting that Patrick has been given the "first power" by the devil and has used it to rise from the dead.

The plot of "The First Power" is very similar to that of "Fallen" (which was made in 1998, eight years after "The First Power"). Both films centre on demonic serial killers who seemingly can't be stopped and who can pass from one body to another. However, "Fallen" is far and away the better of the two films (in fact, it is one of the most frightening films that I have ever seen - the song "Time is on my Side" still creeps me out, whenever I hear it). "The First Power" is the sort of film you would expect to find on late night television or on the bottom shelf of your local DVD store. The concept is a good one (good enough to be reused as "Fallen"), but the execution is terrible. The acting is laughably bad, particularly on the part of Tracy Griffith (yes, Melanie's sister), and there are so many plot holes and improbabilities, not to mention scenes that just plain confused me, that it's only really worth watching if you're the sort of person who enjoys films that are "so bad they're good". Nevertheless, if you are into "so bad it's good" films, this stands out in my mind as one of the two most enjoyably bad films that I have ever seen (alongside "Jade"), so if you do happen to stumble across this film, it might not be a complete waste of your time.
August 4, 2008

A difficult movie to review.

Why is it difficult to review you ask?
Well, it all depends on what frame of mind your in while watching the movie.
If you're looking for pure escapism, then look no further.
If you're looking for any real life meaning then put the DVD back on the shelf.
People may look at this as a fun if not extraordinary horror/crime movie.
It's an ok popcorn movie as long as you check your brain at the door.
Now, for the people who may be offended by this movie???
Christians, it makes Christianity look silly and rather moronic.
Satanists, this movie will anger you guys too for portraying you (AS USUAL) as psycho killers with special Harry Potter powers.
Hmmmmmmmm........
It's worth a watch; just don't take it too seriously.
I can see why there has never been a sequel.
It's not bad, it's not good. It's just kind of..............there.
Worth a rental.
July 9, 2008

c u around buddy boy !!!!

very good movie lot's of action too believe me you will not be disappointed i think this is lou diamond's best movie to date and again i found this movie here when i couldn't find it anyway else again thanx amazon you have a customer for life with me November 22, 2007

One of the few flicks that really needed a sequel

The First Power is a thriller starring Lou Diamond Phillips as a detective hellbent on bringing down a serial killer. He eventually succeeds capturing this guy in a bloody fight. The killer is put to death in the gas chamber. However this is only the beginning. He returns as a spirit that is able to take over peoples bodies, basically making himself immortal. And he begins his murder spree again.

With very good action scenes, solid acting, and a well thought out story. The First Power shapes up into an excellent flick. Jeff Kober who plays the killer is very convincing in his role. He plays with the detectives head and has him wondering is he going mad. Some of the antics he pulls come off as pretty funny at times.

This is a very fun movie that never became slow to me in the slightest. It is among my favorite movies and I don't think anyone can go wrong with this flick. October 21, 2007

The First Time Jeff Kober scared the Bejeezus out of me

I can't understand the low ratings for this film. I will always remember it for its odd but attractive cast, the strange twists and novel occult storyline and for the first appearance to me of Jeff Kober who went on to scare me by turning up in many movies and tv shows including Buffy and Kindred the Embraced. This movie made me laugh and yelp. Watching this movie was the first time I appreciated being in a crowded movie theater because the howls and laughter of the young audience really enhanced the experience. May 19, 2007

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