'The Rite' is a supernatural thriller inspired by true events.  The film follows seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue) who is sent to the Vatican to study exorcism.  Michael is a man with many doubts...not only about demon possession but about his own calling.  He challenges his superiors to look to psychiatry, rather than demons in treating the possessed.

When Michael arrives in Rome he is order to apprentice with the unorthodox Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins) a legendary priest who has performed thousands of exorcisms.   Michael is resistant, questioning Father Lucas at every turn.   But when Michael gets drawn into a troubling case of possession that seems to transcend even Father Lucas's skill, he glimpses something that is so evil, so violent, so terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes.

'The Rite' is directed by Mikael Hafstrom (1408) and also stars Alice Braga, Rutger Hauser (as Michael's father) and Toby Jones. Unfortunately it's not till the last forty five minutes that "The Rite' starts to heat up.   The best thing about this film is Sir Anthony Hopkins...giving a performance that is both subtle and terrifying...reminiscent of his  portrayal of the infamous Dr. Lechter (Silence of the Lambs).  'The Rite' opens in theaters Friday January 28, 2011.  The 'Two Jews On Film' didn't feel the thrill with this one and for that reason, gave The Rite' a very low bagel score.