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Review

In this not altogether unsuccessful merging of supernatural thriller and police procedural, Washington plays a Philadelphia detective who, in the film's opening, watches the vicious serial killer (Koteas) he captured sizzle in the electric chair. Shortly thereafter, several murders take place with the very same M.O. as before -- are they copycat killings, or is the explanation supernatural. Director Hoblit and screenwriter Nicholas Kazan approach their well-worn premise with a realistic, earthbound feel, à la Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, but with mixed results. Ironically, the gritty atmosphere Hoblit brings to the picture allows the already silly scare scenes to appear even sillier (an over-the-top stylist like Sam Raimi or Dario Argento could have supplied the perfect, operatic touch). However, Fallen is reasonably compelling, admirably dark and creepy, and has a nice twist ending -- and a good use of Philly exteriors.