Movie Review: Bless the Child Story: Like that proverbial car wreck one shouldn't look at, but can't help sneaking a peek, there is something fascinating about some bad movies. Add this one to that list. Lapsed Catholics, fallen angels, mysterious strangers, good vs. evil, decapitation, weird music, cults, serial murders, spinning objects, resurrection and any other plot twist you may have seen since The Exorcist is in this film. Directed by Chuck Russell (The Mask, Eraser) this film is directionless, appropriated and pointless. It seems that the Messiah has returned to earth as a six year old girl and Satan's messengers are out to convert her to their team. The rest of the film meanders with an occasional scary special effect until the over the top grand finale. There were parts that were so silly, I actually found myself enjoying the film. Go figure! Acting: Don't you hate when talent is squandered? Everyone (Kim Bassinger, Jimmy Smits, Rufus Sewell, Ian Holm, Christina Ricci) in the cast, except the little girl, must have been possessed, beholden to some producer or just really bored to do this film. The kid, Holliston Coleman was pretty good. Pets: a bazillion rats and odd flying creatures like in The Wizard of Oz. Visual Art: Some undefined prints and watercolors. Soundtrack: Typical Theater Audience: See yesterdays Mad Movie Moments Competition for details on the audience. Sappy Factor: 6 Tissue Usage: 0 -Unless you count needing tissues when you laugh. Oscar Worthy: NO Nit Picking Quotient: (New Category) I love when a film is set in New York City. The good news is I recognize places and the bad news is I sometimes get sidetracked wondering Where the heck is that? This film opens with an aerial shot of Manhattan, which for me usually sets the scene. I quickly suspected false advertising. All outdoor shots were either set in the pouring rain, in the deep of night or in some fictitious subway station. Something smelled like a rotten apple to me. While sitting through the credits I saw it was filmed in Toronto. Ha! Length: 110 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 4