Rish Outfield's reviews
This is probably the most infamous of all horror movies, and definitely was so during my childhood. As a boy, this is the movie my mother, religious leaders, and fellow children warned me about. "It's evil!" they (de)cried, "It is so abominable that it will damn your very soul to Hell to see it!" So, I waited years and years until I had to see it for a class. And you know what? I didn't become a devil. I didn't sell my soul. If I go to Hell, it's because of things I've done before seeing The Exorcist. Sorry, folks. What can I say? Sure, it was scary, sure it was disturbing. BUT...certainly not as much so as it would've been in 1973, and not as bad as what I'd been told. In fact, I found a bit of it confusing rather than scary, and some of it seemed silly now. The makeup still holds up, though, as does the music, the effects, and the basic story.
Also, it's a good idea to check out the 25th Anniversary Edition, but be warned--the Making Of documentary at the beginning gives everything away.
Best Scare: Actually, the most disturbing scene for me was the deleted "Spider Walk Scene"--indescribable! But, of the film itself--well, the first time Regan's head spins around. Yikes.
I'd Recommend It To: those who can take it--and only those who want to see it.

The tyranist's thoughts
It would be so easy to just call this the classic that it is and leave it at that. I believe that this is a must see film for any fan of the genre. It seems to have lost a little in the 25 years since its release, but it is still very disturbing in parts. I haven't seen anything else that pushed some of the extremes that this movie pushes. Simply put this is a classic. If you can get your hands on it watch the documentary that is on the Laser Disc or the 25th anniversary edition of the VHS tape. The spider walk scene scared me even out of context.
I also feel obligated to explain the "What the Hell?" skull that we awarded this film. If you are paying attention to the Father Karras subplot you will notice a gaping hole. It was so gaping that we decided it had to be awarded.