REVIEW: ‘Seventh Sign’ pits Demi Moore against apocalypse

The Seventh Sign, a 1980s apocalyptic thriller starring Demi Moore, has not held up well since its original release. Watching the movie today is a less than engaging experience. First off, the special effects are dated, and the acting from Moore, Michael Biehn and others is passable, at best. The major problem is that the a good deal of the movie is spent on exposition, with the characters constantly explaining what’s happening, why it’s happening and how they can stop it from happening.

There are numerous references to the Bible and religious figures, but the screenwriters, Clifford Green and Ellen Green (apparently working under pseudonyms), only spends time on the religious aspects if it’s convenient for the plot.

Moore can be a good actress if given the right script. Her fans can easily rent G.I. Jane or A Few Good Men for her better performances. Unfortunately, her Seventh Sign role falls victim to by-the-book dialogue and a mountain of exposition. The fate of her unborn child hangs in the balance, and yet there’s a seeming lack of urgency and understanding of what that might mean.

Biehn, who had a string of 1980s thrillers to his name, has definitely seen better roles than. Jürgen Prochnow and Peter Friedman provide some adequate supporting work, but again they come off as two decent actors in sub-par material.

The horror element is largely subdued in the film, replaced by talks and a few visions of the apocalypse. Most surprises can be seen several scenes in advance, and this takes much of the interest out of the film. Director Carl Schultz, who headed to TV eventually, can’t bring the elements together on this one.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• The Seventh Sign
• 1988
• Directed by Carl Schultz
• Written by Clifford Green and Ellen Green (using pseudonyms)
• Starring Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, Peter Friedman and Jürgen Prochnow
• Running time: 95 minutes
• Rated R
• Rating: