The First Power (1990)

User Rating:

5.2/10   

Director:

Robert Resnikoff

Writer (WGA):

Robert Resnikoff (written by)

Release Date:

6 April 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

Satan has created the perfect killer. One who cannot be stopped. Be warned.

Plot:

A killer is given the gas chamber after committing several demonic murders. His spirit is released and given power by the Devil...

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Serial Killer | Detective | Gas Chamber | Policewoman Killing

Cast

Lou Diamond Phillips	...	Russell Logan
Tracy Griffith	...	Tess Seaton
Jeff Kober	...	Patrick Channing
Mykelti Williamson	...	Det. Oliver Franklin (as Mykel T. Williamson)
Elizabeth Arlen	...	Sister Marguerite
Dennis Lipscomb	...	Cmdr. Perkns
Carmen Argenziano	...	Lt. Grimes
Julianna McCarthy	...	Grandmother
Nada Despotovich	...	Bag Lady
Sue Giosa	...	Carmen
Clayton Landey	...	Mazza
Hansford Rowe	...	Father Brian
Philip Abbott	...	Cardinal
David Gale	...	Monsignor
J. Patrick McNamara	...	Priest

Also Known As:

Pentagram
Possessed (Philippines: English title) (reissue title)
Possessed by Evil (Philippines: English title) (reissue title)
Transit

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Philippines:PG-13 | Australia:M | France:-12 | Netherlands:12 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R (certificate #30253) | West Germany:18

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Interscope Communications

Trivia:

In the scene where the killer appears to jump off the building from about five stories high, lands on his feet, then runs away, was actually performed by the stunt double without any special effects.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Obvious stunt double when Patrick Channing breaks through gas chamber glass.

Quotes:

Tess Seaton: Patrick you can't keep on killing forever!
Patrick Channing: Wanna Bet!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Fallen (1998)

solid entry in the supernatural thriller cannon

as far as the cannon of supernatural movies goes,this one ranks fairly high.it's a really good fast paced thriller,but the Catholic Church is not painted in a very positive lite.if you're Catholic,you might be bothered by this film.most people probably would take it for what it is,a thrilling,genuinely creepy mini portrayal of the occult and it's mysticism.there are a few things that don't quite make sense,but many movies of this genre have that designation.obviously,you have to really suspend your disbelief.if your person that doesn't easily do that,you could easily pick this movie apart,and probably wouldn't enjoy.or possibly,you might find it so absurd,it's funny.i just accepted it for what it is,and enjoyed it.for me,"The First Power" is an 8/10