Although it received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike when released in 1998, this supernatural thriller benefits from a sustained atmosphere of anticipation and dread, and its combination of detective myste... more »ry and demonic mischief is handled with ample style and intelligence. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit (who fared better with Primal Fear), Denzel Washington plays detective John Hobbes, who witnesses the gas-chamber execution of a serial killer (Elias Koteas). But when another series of murders begins, Hobbes suspects that the killer's evil spirit has survived and is possessing the bodies of others to do its evil bidding. Even Hobbes's trusted partner (John Goodman) thinks the detective is losing his grip on reality, but the dire warnings of a noted linguist (Embeth Davidtz) confirm Hobbes's far-out theory, and his case intensifies toward a fateful showdown. Although its idea is better than its execution, and the story's film noir ambitions are never fully accomplished, this slickly directed thriller has some genuinely effective moments in which evil forces are entwined into the fabric of everyday reality. Among the highlights is a memorable scene in which Detective Hobbes must track the killer as the evil spirit is transferred between many people via physical contact. Even if the film is ultimately less than the sum of its parts, it's an intriguing hybrid that resides in the same cinematic neighborhood as Seven and The Silence of the Lambs with a cast that also includes Donald Sutherland and James Gandolfini. --Jeff Shannon« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 5/7/2022...
A young Denzel at his best! A chilling tale of mystery and madness. If you haven't seen this one, be sure to put it on your MUST watch list.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Vicki H. (WNCadventurer) Reviewed on 11/13/2021...
A classic "supernatural suspense" movie where Denzel shines. The backstory is just enough to propel the plotline along without being tedious. This movie was released at the same time as Windows98, the 1st true home-friendly computer (dial-up back in the day). Youngsters can watch out for old-school items: Polaroid for crime scene photos, Denzel calling an operator for directory assistance from a corded dial phone, large boxy computer with wired mouse, and Vcr + reel2reel tape recorder in the evidence review room. A classic in more ways than one.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Leslie C. from NEWPORT NEWS, VA Reviewed on 3/23/2018...
"Fallen" is a must-see movie. Danzel Washington gives a outstanding performance in the world of the supernatural. There is a lot of suspense, with a surprise ending. There are additional highly respected stars in he cast. It is one of the better Sci-Fi/Horror/Suspense flics.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Michel D. (michelann) from WALNUT GROVE, MO Reviewed on 10/16/2017...
Great story, excellent writing, and exceptional casting insure this film will be appreciated and watched over and over by many. Denzel Washington, as usual, gives a top notch performance as John Hobbes, a detective on the trail of a dark mysterious monster that transfers itself from one person to the next simply by touch. John Goodman and Donald Sutherland along with the late James Gandolfini all combine to make this a top rate movie everyone will enjoy!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Suzanne H. from PORT ANGELES, WA Reviewed on 7/31/2017...
This movie is haunting!!!!
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Geniece M. from ROLLA, MO Reviewed on 4/22/2014...
Great suspenceful movie that will keep your interest. Excellant acting. I felt like it was like a good book you cannot put down. I definitely recommend watching.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Susan G. (imaginaryfriend) from NORTH POLE, AK Reviewed on 8/21/2013...
This is a really good story, regardless of who is in it. That being said, Denzel Washington does a really great job as do all the other leading actors. In this case, it's the story that carries the movie, not the fact that there are superstars and to me, that's what movies are all about.
It's not a thriller but it is suspenseful and there is the age-old battle of good against evil.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jason B. (Archangel) from HUNTINGTON, IN Reviewed on 4/2/2008...
To start, it's a Denzel Washington movie which means you can pretty much count on it being good even if you don't know what it's about.
The great thing about this movie is it harnesses the concept of good vs evil (angels vs demons) without all the sci-fi effects.
If you're looking for a good movie that will not only has great acting but keeps throwing in unexpected twists then you need to check this one out.
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jeff V. (burielofmel) from HARRIMAN, TN Reviewed on 2/23/2008...
I don't own a copy of this but I did like it. I remember really getting into the whole concept of it. Good.
3 of 7 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Fallen
Garry | Illinois, USA | 06/22/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's another fantastic movie, Really made you think about the powers of darkness and Satans ability's. Fantastic acting by Denzel Washington involved here, kept you at the edge of your chair. "Frightening to think about, is the devil responsible for so many peoples hardships in life?" Could Satan be jumping from person to person down here causing the countless murders, and rapes,and wars, and sickness, going on in our world today?" "Is this why our prisons are full?" "Gives you the chills just thinking about it." An Eye opening movie! Yours truly Garry E. Lewis author of The Curse of the Devil's Wolf Strap and The Rileyville Mystery."
So-so
G. YEO | Singapore | 06/06/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Touted as supernatural thriller / film noir, FALLEN hasn't dated well at all. The truth is: the show while beautifully filmed, is too tame and slow to generate any real thrills. The average viewer would get more suspense out of watching an episode of CSI. The film fails primarily because it tries to incorporate too many genres and falls short in each.
The only reason to watch this movie of course is Denzel Washington - who's never had a bad performance. The able cast around him - Donald Sutherland, John Goodman, James Gandolfini et al - don't do much either. The film is ultimately very PG in treatment, which works against it. Denzel fans will get their fix, but that's about it.