'Stigmata' returns demon possession to big screen

"Stigmata"

Directed by: Rupert Wainwright

Starring: Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne

Rated: R

When it comes to scary movies, several of the ones I rank at the top of my list seem to have some sort of religious/spiritual overtones. "The Exorcist" still scares me to no end, and I woke up one night a few months ago (I've been sleeping with the TV on for more than 20 years) and caught part of "Rosemary's Baby." It's creepy enough in the daytime, but in a sleepy haze at 2 a.m., it terrified me.

To be truthful, the latest horror hubbub, "The Blair Witch Project," didn't scare me at all, except for the fear that film students everywhere will be trying to do something similar annoying camera work, rotten sound and all.

The previews for "Stigmata" piqued my interest, and I have to admit up front I'm in the minority when I say this is a pretty decent, interesting and, at times, scary little film. Many critics are slamming it for its obvious rip-offs of "The Exorcist," but "Stigmata" presents a somewhat different twist on the "possession" theme.

Having Gabriel Byrne and Patricia Arquette heading the cast helps make it a more watchable film, too. Byrne's list of achievements is impressive, with roles in "Miller's Crossing," "Into the West" and "The Usual Suspects" being standouts