This is one of those rare cases where the screenplay is vastly superior to the novel. In fact, there is little in common between the screenplay and the novel other than the title, and that is a good thing. The screenplay brings the battle between Good and Evil into much sharper focus than does the book, and dispenses with the book's muddy theology and theosophy. The portrayals of the child's developing miraculous gifts and visions are little cinematic gems in themselves, and the vision of the weeping statue of St. Mary in the side chapel of the Roman Catholic church is particularly moving. The parallels between the temptations of the child and the three temptations of Christ in the wilderness are elegant theological touches. The portrayal of the gentle and fierce goodness of the child's aunt/foster mother by Kim Basinger are believable and engaging. This is a movie that most will probably either love or hate. Viewers who believe in the actual existence of God and Satan and the reality of the ongoing war between Good and Evil will probably love it. In my opinion, this movie is on a par with the original Exorcist.
Review of Bless the Child
