The First Power (1989)

The First Power (1989)
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This lackluster attempt at blending equal parts action movie and supernatural thriller ends up sacrificing the merits of both genres. The plot finds baby-faced homicide detective Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips) on the trail of "Pentagram Killer" Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), negligibly assisted by lots of occult mumbo-jumbo espoused by various doomsaying members of the Catholic Church. Channing is eventually captured and executed, but this turns out to be a big mistake: one of the Satanic powers Channing managed to acquire through ritual sacrifice is the power to transfer his soul into other living bodies, allowing him to roam about incognito and continue his killing spree. There is little overt horror on display, as we usually see only the aftermath of Channing's evil deeds; there is scarcely enough mystery to propel the police-procedural elements either. Worse, the producers apparently decided to toss in a romantic subplot involving Phillips and psychic Tracy Griffith to keep things interesting, but fail to sustain credibility even in this department. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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Starring:
Lou Diamond Phillips, Tracy Griffith, (more)
Director(s):
Robert Resnikoff
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The First Power

This lackluster attempt at blending equal parts action movie and supernatural thriller ends up sacrificing the merits of both genres. The plot finds baby-faced homicide detective Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips) on the trail of "Pentagram Killer" Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), negligibly assisted by lots of occult mumbo-jumbo espoused by various doomsaying members of the Catholic Church. Channing is eventually captured and executed, but this turns out to be a big mistake: one of the Satanic powers Channing managed to acquire through ritual sacrifice is the power to transfer his soul into other living bodies, allowing him to roam about incognito and continue his killing spree. There is little overt horror on display, as we usually see only the aftermath of Channing's evil deeds; there is scarcely enough mystery to propel the police-procedural elements either. Worse, the producers apparently decided to toss in a romantic subplot involving Phillips and psychic Tracy Griffith to keep things interesting, but fail to sustain credibility even in this department. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
98 mins

Complete Cast of The First Power


Director(s):
Robert Resnikoff
Writer(s):
Robert Resnikoff
Producer(s):
David Madden, Ted Field, Robert W. Cort
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Profanity, Not For Children, Graphic Violence, Violence, Adult Language, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Horror
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Terry S.

    Whom ever did the synopsis on this movie, has no appreciation of what this film represents. To this point there had been no films like it, now you see movies such as Fallen, and others using the same type of storyline. I Give it 4 stars!

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    Chris W.

    This is a great movie. It has action and a creepiness to it. The story is interesting and keeps you glued to the TV. Never a dull moment.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Kimberly H.

    I first saw this movie when I was about 14. That was just about 20 years ago, when it was new. Now that I look at it as an adult, the story line is fascinating in a different way. It's the ever present, eternal battle of pure evil versus pure goodness; God and Satan on the battle field. What's really interesting is that it takes a psychic whose skill and talent are no doubt frowned upon in the Catholic Church to help stop a serial killer returned from the dead as a powerful agent of the Church's biggest enemy. Then throw in a cop whose beliefs are never discussed, but who approaches the killings in the rational, unbelieving way that has him convinced this is a whole new killer he's tracking. But he's not. An interesting blend of differing views of humanity through spirit and religions that directly oppose each other.

    Yes   |   No

     
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