Title: Suing the Devil
Year: 2011
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Timothy A. Chey
Writer: Timothy A. Chey
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Bart Bronson, Roslyn Gentle, Shannen Fields, Tom Sizemore, Chad Lammers, Annie Lee, Gabrielle Whittaker, Gemma Kaye, Robin Querre, Jeff Gannon
Produc.: Mouthwatering Productions
In
Suing the Devil, Luke (Bart Bronson), a Christian and law student takes the
Devil (Malcolm McDowell) into court, for believing him responsible of everything, tired of his problems and of the chaotic society.
The film begins with a white text on a black
background, where we read a passage from the Bible, that refers to the king of
heaven and of darkness.
We now appreciate the Mouthwatering Productions
logo, followed by images of Sydney and of Luke's voice, until he appears on the
scene. He works at day and studies at night, but lately, his mother´s death has
discouraged him.
Luke falls asleep in the library. Then, at home he looks uneasy, for all the chaos described in the news. In the kitchen he
disscusses at the phone and worries Gwen (Shannen Fields), a wife who coughs a
lot.
Bart Bronson proves that he is unable to act,
when talking to Gwen about the Devil and his evil. In addition, the screenplay
that he has been given is unbearable, and his monologue, totally disposable. Timothy
A. Chey is introducing us to a religious fundamentalist, in need of
psychological help.
Shortly before, definitely loosing his mind,
Luke in his truck, goes in search of revenge with a revolver, but without
bullets. Something that has not happened with his Bible, which awaits to be
used in the glove compartment.
Without pausing to think it over, he decides to
go on with his demand, which includes distributing fliers, inviting Satan to show his face. Here
it is very funny how he delivers some to Devil worshipers, as if they knew his
whereabouts.
In charge of the case is Judge Woods (Roslyn
Gentle), who at first does not know if it is a joke, or if the man is crazy.
When she realizes that he is doing it for real, the process continues.
One day before Luke files for default
judgement, and to the surprise of Luke himself, a tall, slim and gray-haired
fellow appears in court, claiming to be the defendant. Woods laughs,
recognizing the good sense of humor, and asks about hidden cameras, that in
fact, do not exist.
At this time, the unexpected visitor argues
that there is no evidence of him beeing the Devil ... but neither, otherwise.
Affirmation, that although unsustainable in any wise movie, can be overlooked,
as its other, so many atrocities.
The Devil also makes them see the reach of his
powers, as he raises the room´s temperature without moving a finger, and making
it clear what he is capable of. So we realize that this individual is not
normal, although nobody in the film notice it, as if they were all blind.
Given the nature of the case, this is televised
worldwide. Then, from everywhere, people will be able to have fun with the the
lawyers incompetence. Having already a judge, a jury, a claimant and a
defendant, everything that follows is a sample of that Timothy A. Chey had no
idea of what was he doing. His no common sense is seen in a film full of
potholes. So many, that amazes that this director would receive financial
support.
Prior to the trial, The Devil meets who are
supposed to be the best ten lawyers in the country. All of them of high coefficients,
and excepcionally gifted for this matter, provide impeccable answers to his
questions. However, it is understood that he is only looking for fun. If not,
why would anyone with his powers, put to his services these despicable beings,
whose rules, for him are worthless, and for then, having to pay them?
Regarding his opponent, Luke is either very
naive, or just not too bright. Because "he who defends himself has
a fool for a client" and although, he gets the support of a friend, is him
who ends up going to the front.
As the trial progresses, the plot coherences are
conspicuous to be found. This is the case of a subject, able to change the color
of his eyes, become transparent or spit fire, but whom no one is afraid to
approach, or becomes convinced that he is telling the truth.
Nor should we forget of it´s director´s audacity,
for taking entirely, one of the best phrases of A Few Good Men (1992). Not only
Timothy A. Chey has not written a good script, but he has chosen to copy from
others.
Each new session of "Luke O'Brien vs. The
Devil" seems like a joke, with lawyers whose titles could be snatched away.
So it is so that, one by one they take turns, as the arguments from the
defense begin to fail. What, however, is not to panic too much, because Luke O'Brien
himself can not handle things properly.
It becomes even contradictory to understand
how those talents are unable to distinguish the antichrist from an impostor,
even after his deployment of powers. And worse. In this group are not even able
to agree with each other, to the point of fighting or disavowing each other.
Once we have reached the final stretch, the
only rescatable thing is Malcolm McDowell´s interpretation, whom could have given
acting classes to the rest of the cast.
Almost at the end, Luke is still fighting, and
now knowing that his wife has a tumor. Therefore, her cough. However, he
prioritizes the demand to his wifes condition.
If all this way A. Chey work was laughable, it
would not be unusual not to give us a break. Both, the closing of the
trial and what comes next, would be like not to give him a camera ever again.
All A. Chey achieves is for us to ask ourselves what the hell he wanted to do.
Suing the Devil may be summarized, as a very
misguided religious propaganda, which bores and, above all, offends, by its
shortcomings.
My rating: 1/10
