Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Fallen's contribution to film lies in an adventurous merger between the classic detective mystery and the supernatural horror genres. This originality within modern Hollywood should not be taken lightly at all, and hopefully, more of the industry will follow Gregory Hoblit's example. The story is decent, although bordering on absurd, and the ending is brilliant, although dumbed down in the narrative for the slow-minded. It should be noted that this film is highly entertaining, perhaps BECAUSE the project is so adventurous.

Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) is Fallen's take on the classic mystery hero: a sharp-witted man with morals, but certainly isn't flawless in his execution. At the beginning of the film, we see Hobbes bid a sarcastic farewell to a death row serial killer who is hours away from execution. Of course, the death of this serial killer is only the beginning of the core story. Apparently, the late killer had a demon inside him that simply moved into another body after he was gassed. Throughout the film, it becomes apparent that this demon passes through bodies by touch. How on earth is detective John Hobbes going to beat such an elusive adversary?

This film utilizes a voice-over narrative (another classic mystery device) to help tell the story of Hobbes vs the demon. Although the narrative is a tad forced at times, Denzel Washington does a pretty good job of making it seem authentic.

Co-starring in "Fallen" is the highly underrated John Goodman as Hobbes' partner, and veteran Donald Sutherland as the Chief of Police. Sutherland provides one of my favorite movie Police Chiefs, as he plays with the "hardnose" cliche while turning it into something a bit more psychological than that. Sutherland's chief has an evil streak, and certainly doesn't hold a full deck. Kudos to Goodman for proving his worth as a non-comedic actor in his portrayal of the understanding friend and partner of John Hobbes. Washington and Goodman have a chemistry on-screen that is only surpassed by Bridges/Goodman in "The Big Lebowski." If you are a John Goodman fan, I'd suggest you rent this film immediately on his merits as an actor alone.

I have to say that I love the way that the supernatural element of this picture was handled by director Hoblit. You won't find stupid computer graphics or anything like that. The demon is portrayed only through the acting of the people who are under its influence and brilliant camera work, coined "demon vision" by Hoblit. Hoblit is an oldschool type of director and his tastes when making mainstream movies help to lift them above the rest. He is a minimalist; and it works to Fallen's advantage. In the world of special effects, more often than not, simple IS best.

Fallen's flaws lie mostly in the area of believability. While Nicholas Kazan does provide an adventurous and refreshing screenplay, the demon's concept is borderlining on absurd (moving by touch and what not). Also, some of hero John Hobbes' actions are awkward with a more realist mainstream audience... Why is he willing to do what he does? Finally, the concept of special purpose, while vital to the story, didn't sit enormously well with me. I'm not a huge fan of films that try to take on "the meaning of life."

In conclusion, Fallen falls a bit short of what it could have been. The cast is great, the directing is simple yet fitting, and the concept of classic genre-merging is brilliant. If you are in the mood for something adventurous, please feel free to rent this film. Its likeability falls into the "conscious sway" category: if you TRY to like it, you will like it - if you TRY to dislike it, then you will dislike it...simple as that.

NOTE: I would give Fallen 3 and 1/2 stars, but obviously I can't.

Here's hoping that Hollywood makes more attempts at achieving originality!!!

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older