Stigmata (1999)

STIGMATA is a long bleed.  This ain't even EXORCIST III quality, 
despite an (early) intriguing peek into the Catholic Church's sci-
entific wing, a cool "lost gospel" subplot, and a solid, straight-
faced performance from Gabriel Byrne as the Vatican Miraclebuster 
sent stateside to investigate punk hairdresser (and non-God be-
liever) Patricia Arquette's Christ-like wounds.  There's even a wee 
bit of supporting star power from Jonathan Pryce (EVITA, TOMORROW 
NEVER DIES) as Gabe's character's boss, whose questionable motives
hint at a vast Catholic conspiracy.  (Not to be confused with a
vast right-wing, left-wing, or *chicken*-wing conspiracy, the lat-
ter whose members are known to conduct secret monthly meetings at 
Hooter's...)  Alas, such thorny issues as poor pacing, weak char-
acters, and way too much "MTV flash" make this one a video-waiter.  
Or, at the very least, a date-payer.  Rupert Wainwright (THE SAD-
NESS OF SEX) directs.  (Rated "R"/102 min.)

Grade: C-
                         
Copyright 1999 by Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: September 12, 1999

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