The Gathering (2002)

Christina Ricci stars in this psychological thriller as an American backpacker Cassie) traveling through the English countryside whose life turns for the worse after she is involved in a random car accident. During recovery she is befriended by Simon Kirkman (Stephen Dillane) who has been researching a buried church from the First Century embedded with images of Christ s crucifixion. Cassie begins to have terrifying visions of the townspeople and their deaths. Is the town cursed or are her visions spirits from the unearthed church grasping for life? What is uncovered will make you fearful for what happens next!System Requirements:Run Time: 92 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLERS Rating: PG-13 UPC: 796019795760 Manufacturer No: 79576 Product Description

Not Bad...Really...

I enjoyed this film probably more than most. I'm a big fan of Christina Ricci, and she did not disappoint. Without blabbing away the plot, this is quite original for a psychological suspense film, and the religious overtones add a bit of "mystery play" to the proceedings. The handsome Ioan Gruffudd is around a little to provide a bit of potential romantic interest, but it's Stephen Dillane who really keeps things centered. He's very fine. The surprise ending was clever, and, overall, "The Gathering" is worth a look. March 30, 2008

And really, 2 out of 5 ain't bad

Seeing this in the $7.50 rack at Wal-Mart, this movie is about what you'd expect. The idea itself is pretty interesting and the movie starts out with a little punch but then it settles into a sort of choppy mediocrity. It never really gets scary and it never completely makes sense. At least not to me. (Though, to be honest, I've never been accused of being the brightest bulb in the bunch.) Still, the actors are all competent and Christina Ricci, if you're a fan (And you should be.), is always worth watching. (And I'm assuming you're a fan of horror movies. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading this.) So all in all, not "The Exorcist" but better than shooting yourself in the foot.

(And just as a side note, the picture? On the DVD? Where Christina Ricci is standing in the church staring at the camera? Never happens. And I just really really hate it when they do that.)

Peace. March 2, 2008

Who's Watching The Watchers?...

I've loved Christina Ricci since her Wednesday Addams days. She simply has a look that fits right in to any gothic / horror situation. She's grown into a beautiful woman and a fine actress. THE GATHERING has Ricci playing a woman named Cassie Grant, who is backpacking through rural England. Bam! Cassie is hit by a car, resulting in her staying w/ the family of the woman who struck her. Strange things begin happening as an ancient (and quite mysterious) first-century christian church has been unearthed nearby. Cassie starts noticing people following her and staring. As time goes on, she finds herself in the middle of something supernatural and chilling. I like this one. It reminds me of SOLE SURVIVOR, in that both contain creepy, lurking strangers and loads of eerie atmosphere. If you're a Christina fan, she's in almost every scene! I hope she makes a career out of horror movies, as she could easily be the Barbara Steele of this generation... March 1, 2008

Brilliant thriller!

Occasionally I will buy a movie sight unseen, based on reviews. The Gathering is one of those films, and I loved every moment of it. This is a chillingly atmospheric film with a slow build-up to a startling conclusion, much like Sixth Sense. What is sad is that I never heard of this movie before I stumbled across it on Amazon.com. Fans of this genre should not miss The Gathering. October 20, 2007

THEY'RE WAITING AND WATCHING

Yes, THE GATHERING is another religious horror movie, but this one has an intriguing premise. It opens with the discovery of a buried church and a bas-relief of the crucifixion. There are several inconsistencies in this find and there starts the fun in this film. Adding to the mix is Cassie Grant (Christina Ricci), a girl who has been taken in by a family after being hit by a car and losing her memory. She has no idea why she was coming to this little village, but soon begins to have horrible visions that something bad is about to happen to the good folk in this town. She also shares a kinship with the small boy, Michael, in the family that she is staying with, and she is fiercely protectively of him against the horrible future that she sees for him.

THE GATHERING doesn't have a lot of gore. It relies more on atmosphere, and (GASP) an intelligent plotline for the viewer involvement and I think the film was successful in this. THE GATHERING was another one of those movies that I'd never heard of, one that Hollywood sank straight to DVD with little or no fanfare. I think it's so sad that they don't ever try anymore to market these films to any audience anymore. After all, we desperately needed DUKES OF HAZZARD. There was an entertainment feast I couldn't live without.

THE GATHERING is worth your time. It has chills, suspense and a good story to tell, one that just might stay with you for a while. I know I won't forget it so easily. June 12, 2007

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