Idol of Evil

I wanted to give this a chance. I really did. The introductory sequence alone should give any prospective viewers an accurate idea of how they'll feel about this, followed by the inexplicable, disorientingly asinine introduction of the protagonist, surrounded by highly unprofessional, aggressively self-aggrandizing histrionic buffoons clearly attempting to play the heels of the piece until proper villains are introduced.

Save yourself the trouble. It's not worth it. You can even tell from the markedly different quality of sound between scenes, ludicrous cutting between shots, and highly questionable choices that this was an experiment and probably meant more for the families and friends of those who produced it than an actual commercial audience.

A surprising and engaging film that delivers a mix of suspense, horror, and an actual plot which many low budget films struggle to do, all while showcasing impressive craftsmanship for its budget. True the first half of the plot steals heavily from raiders of the Lost Ark but the second half was stolen back for Crystal Skull it seems. It's good fun though.

The film does an decent job of blending mystery with supernatural elements, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps you guessing. The Plot twist is obvious but it's done well and the action, while limited isn't too hacky.

By the end of it, I had warmed to... Lucy, and still didn't like the character of David Hilton, but still wanted him to win.

The performances aren't one of the film's strongest points, and given the budget they probably needed ot be better to help elevate it.

Visually, Idol of Evil makes the most of its resources and if you can look past th eobvious low budget, this isn't a bad film at all. I've seen Statham movies with less well told plots than this.

The effects range from cheesy to laughable at times and it does feel like the film wanted to become a horror film in the last 15 minutes, but it doesn't and then returns to a typical action formula that Chuck Norris would have gone for in the 90s. Though the lead here doesn't have his charm!

OK,Hold on this is an English/Irish co-production based on Indiana Jones. Some scenes are definitely similar to original 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark',But,'Tween influences like cool cars and spiffy bad guys. This is a possible DVD series from Chemical Burn, Hope they build on more challenging action traditions. Plot moves well,lots of action fighting,Car stunts and explosions.

Some characters reminded us of...Halle Berry's babies daddy-Gabriel Aubrey as a villain with a conscious about halfway thru.

Another villain was Steven Tyler-esque or Mick Jagger and then he got his foppish hat knocked off,And we swear Michael Hutchence arose ?

I saw this film amongst a large pile of Biritsh produced features sent my way and I have to say this was one of the better ones.

By no means perfect and clearly done of the lowest of low budget, this Raider of the Lost Ark inspired adventure through the English countryside will at least have to entertained from start to finish.

Opening with a robbery and a shoot out the film quickly introduces us to our hero, Dr David Hilton (Richard Cambridge) a failed author dragged in by the Vatican to help find a missing former colleague (I Said it was inspired by Raiders) Off on the adventure, David uncovers lots of hidden secrets and the metaphor for the film (though not expertly articulated) seems to be, "be careful when you dig up the past" which may have been a better tag line than "Hell is Forever".

With some good action pieces let down only by limited budget and an interest array of characters (some portrayed more convincingly than others) this is a film well worth seeing. And unlike most action films where the female lead is there for eye candy or to scream, director Kevin McDonagh subtly makes Lucy Lake (Stephanie Elliot) a smart and involved female character.

With the villains Bain (Matthew Sheppard) and Father Calvert (Eley Furrell - chewing the scenery perfectly for this panto style villainous character) the film is at least not dull.

I gave it 10/10 mainly for effort as few film maker try such exciting and action packed films as this for their first and the fact they come up short is only to be expected, but they had a damn good go!