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Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini ... see more see more... , Elias Koteas , Gabriel Casseus , Michael J. Pagan , Robert Joy , Chuck Jeffreys , Reno Wilson

Directed by Gregory Hoblit (Primal Fear), Fallen is a blend of the police drama and supernatural thriller genres. Homicide detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) narrates, taking the audience back ... read more read more...to "the time I almost died." This sets a flashback in motion, beginning at the prison cell of serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas), who grabs Hobbes' hand and sings the Rolling Stones' "Time Is on My Side." After Reese is executed, Hobbes and his partner, Jonesy (John Goodman), find a seeming copycat killer, committing murders in a manner not unlike Reese. Hobbes is drawn into the occult after he meets theology professor Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz), the daughter of a dead police officer. Hobbes becomes a suspect himself, but he continues his search for the truth. Co-producer Dawn Steel died just as this film was due for release. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Flixster Users

74% liked it

49,778 ratings

Critics

40% liked it

55 critics

R, 2 hr. 3 min.

Directed by: Gregory Hoblit

Release Date: June 1, 1997

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DVD Release Date: June 16, 1998

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Stats: 2,252 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (2,252)

  • fb619846742
    December 16, 2011
    fb619846742
    A pulse-less, predictable thriller which seats Denzel Washington in a thankless role as a decorated Philadelphia cop who is tormented by a demon who once possessed a serial killer (Elias Koteas) that the detective helped put to death. While the story has an interesting aspect to ... read moreit (the demon bounces around from person to person through a simple "touch"), you still get this feeling that you have all seen this before. Washington does what he can with his character, which is given slightly more information than the other few main characters, but the lack of color overall to the characters as well as a lack of a chilling atmosphere helps lull one to sleep pretty quickly. Of course, with cut and paste thrillers like this, there is a "twist" ending or two, and this one has a pretty clever one to it. However, the film is very, very forgettable just because it becomes tedious after awhile, despite Washington's earnest effort to make it somewhat respectable - it is just a downright bore.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    September 26, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    I find Gregory Hoblit to be a much underrated director. This impressive horror/thriller is very good. The film is definitely creepy and thrilling and Gregory Hoblit crafts a fine psychological horror film. Denzel Washington delivers a fine performance alongside John Goodman. The ... read moreFallen is a great mix of crime film, and supernatural horror with a psychological twist. I won't go into detail of the plot. Hoblit, I find is a fine director who knows how to craft an intricate story that is very engaging, and original. This is true speaking of Fallen. This is an interesting, very well executed film. The concept of the film, like most of Hoblit's films is very engaging film. Fallen is a remarkable psychological horror film that definitely is a must see. Fallen is a terrific film with plenty of twists. The performances of the cast make this film something truly special, and though it's not a perfect film, Fallen is still a top-notch psychological horror film with plenty to offer. The story is elaborate, and will keep you guessing till the very end. I enjoyed the concept of the film, and it made this film quite entertaining. Gregory Hoblit is an underrated talent, and with this film he shows that he can craft a terrific film. As far as psychological horror is concerned, Fallen sets out to achieve what it tries to do. A well acted, and executed film with an interesting concept, Fallen delivers, and with a cast like this, it's also a must see. The film is creepy, mysterious and above all very good. Yet another underrated film by an underrated director.
  • TheGame90
    September 18, 2011
    TheGame90
    It was pretty good. The cast seemed a little random...But Denzel Washington was good.
  • blkbomb
    September 6, 2011
    blkbomb
    Edgar Reese: Howdy, folks. Ladies, gents, cocksuckers, pederasts, I hope you all enjoy the show. Yes, I do. 

    "Don't trust a soul."

    Despite being completely ridiculous and having many flaws, I really loved Fallen. It's a really cool and entertaining movie with a cast that is a l... read moreot of fun to watch. I'll admit, it does go over the top with its ideas at times. The best example of this is the body shifts, but it never became so ridiculous as to where I found it annoying. From the opening sequence to the last narration; Fallen is always an interesting and thrilling ride. I find that I didn't dislike anything about this movie. 

    The plot, while implausible, is a unique supernatural thriller meets cop drama. At first I wished we didn't know what was going on, while Washington's character was trying to figure it out, but in time it makes sense. The movie is a lot smarter than it seems. I think at times Gregory Hoblit tries to be too smart with it and he leads himself into some ridiculous scenes. But those scenes are the most fun. I really liked the way "Time Is On Your Side" is used throughout the movie to show the presence of the "Fallen." Any movie that uses The Stones as a motif is alright by me. 

    The plot leads up to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. The narration aspect of the movie was a really clever little add on and ties the whole movie together. Fallen, for me, is one of those movies that I like despite knowing that its not nearly as good as it could have been. It has a great idea and is a lot of fun, but that's not to say it couldn't have been much better.
  • 76Majikat
    December 22, 2009
    76Majikat
    A Supernatural, unexplicable Serial Killer film, that left me feeling quite flat on my first viewing of this film, I?m a big fan of Serial Killer films and this didn?t quite fit for me. Second watching was definitely more focussed on the Supernatural telling of the story.

    Den... read morezel Washington wasn?t particular out of the ordinary in this film, but I did like the way the paranoia was created throughout by not knowing who or where the killer was coming from next.

    Whilst the outcome was an ok ending, the length the final scene took seemed to go on and on and really made you lose interest in the whole film.
  • SirPant
    September 30, 2009
    SirPant
    Good film but it gave a little too much away too soon. Some of the actors are wasted too but everyone puts in a good performance. It?s no Seven but well worth a watch!
  • middleeasternfilms
    August 20, 2008
    middleeasternfilms
    Just the cast alone should be reason to want to see this, but alongside all that you add on a great storyline with a twist that the killer could be anyone, anywhere and can't seemingly ever be defeated. Denzel extends his streak of great performances, and an extra half-point for ... read morethe ending where the bad guy wins in the end. That's rare.
  • Gx7
    August 13, 2008
    Gx7
    "Tiime, is on my siide... Yes it is! I said tiiiimme, is on my side!"

    One of those movies I liked very much during my teens.
  • superclerk25
    December 17, 2007
    superclerk25
    Washington once again makes a character his own when he plays a detective who crosses paths with a demon. One of the things I like about the movie is that Denzel does some things with the character that make him more of a real person. Before he pours himself a cup a of coffee h... read moree blows into the cup to clean out any dust. At the end of the day he does it again and turns the mug over to keep it from the dirtiness of the world he lives in. These are the little things that make his character as real as you and I.
    The story is a good one as the hero has to overcome something that is far bigger than he is without any chance of success. The others in the cast all do their part in the story and add a little to each scene.
    There is one scene that I think really makes the movie. The demon goes after someone who has been helping Detective Hobbes and she manages to get away before he can touch her and enter her body. Instead of a foot chase she runs off as he hops from body to body with reached out hands going through the crowd trying to get at her. It really is a freaky scene.
    In the end I liked the battle between good and evil and the acting of Mr. Washington makes the movie shine and fresh.
    It's a nice way to make a supernatural movie without having all the special effects clouding the human story.
  • thefog1331
    November 28, 2007
    thefog1331
    Just as bad as I thought it would be. I avoided it for years until I got sick of everyone recommending it. Cliche, full of holes and a telegraphed ending. Could've been great but poorly mishandled and miscast.

View All Fallen Reviews

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
January 11, 2008
Emanuel Levy, Variety

Denzel Washington has the almost impossible task of holding together a convoluted picture that's only intermittently suspenseful and not very engaging emotionally or intellectually. Full Review

Lisa Alspector
January 11, 2008
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader

The first half of this movie holds some promise, but time is not on its side. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

A stylish if seriously far-fetched nightmare. Full Review

Jack Mathews
September 26, 2002
Jack Mathews, Los Angeles Times

A crafty piece of work, ending with a pair of marvelous twists. Full Review

Rick Groen
April 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

A human trifle that can be safely ignored in this eschatological genre. Full Review

Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

This film is essentially God Told Me To with a new paint job. Full Review

Jeff Millar
January 1, 2000
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle

If you have an interest in capital-letter Good and Evil, in the abstract-theological sense, Fallen could engross you.

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

Unfortunately the film wafts toward Seven turf soon afterward and stalls on a heavy burden of metaphysical chitchat. Washington's dazzling good looks are the only reason to stick with it. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The idea is better than the execution. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Despite the negatives, I'm still recommending Fallen on the strength of its complex plot and especially its ending, which I loved. Full Review

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Fallen Trivia

  • This actor has been Forever Young, been held to Ransom and fallen in love with Pocahontas - who is he?   Answer »
  • Name the demon that take possesion of many people in the movie Fallen?  Answer »
  • Which movie starred Kim Cattrall & Andrew McCarthy, & had the tagline... Just because Jonathan's fallen in love with a piece of wood, it doesn't make him a dummy. ?  Answer »
  • What do the following films all have in common;Some Like It Hot, Tootsie, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, White Chicks (oh how far we've fallen)  Answer »
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