Evil is everywhere, and in everybody.  That is never truer than in this film.  Detective John Hobbs (Denzel Washington) has already arrested serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas).  He's been convicted, and is now awaiting his execution in the gas chamber.  Though, for a man facing his inevitable and imminent death - he's remarkably upbeat.  Is he psychotic or is he something else?  Hobbs witnesses the execution, and sees Reese die in the chamber.  The case is closed, and it's on with life.  That is until a new series of murders arise which eerily share characteristics with those of Reese's, but Reese is dead - isn't he?  There was an ancient, unseen evil that took control over the man known as Edgar Reese a long time ago, but where Reese died, it endured.  Now, it's set its sights on Hobbs to enact revenge on him.  Hobbs' partner Jonesy (John Goodman) is naturally creeped out over the apparent links between these latest murders and those Reese committed, and their commanding officer - Lieutenant Stanton (Donald Sutherland) - is very shady, eluding to knowing a lot more than he's willing to divulge.  Hobbs attempts to solve the puzzle of why there is a space between "Lyons and Spakowski" that Reese left for him - before and after his death.  What this mystery drags Hobbs into is a dark and dangerous reality which may only end up in death for all those who stand between this fallen angel turn demonic spirit and John Hobbs.

I saw this film in theatres back in January, 1998, and I still love it to this day.  I bought it on VHS, and the DVD was one of the earliest I watched.  At the time, I stated it was one of the best thriller/suspense movies I had seen since The Usual Suspects, but it holds up even better on subsequent viewings than that film.  There are many more perspectives and angles to decifer in this film than in Bryan Singer's brilliant noir thriller.  Denzel Washington - as always - delivers a powerful and solid performance.  His character of John Hobbs is very human with a wide range of emotions, but most importantly, he's loyal and dedicated to those he trusts and cares for.  In the start of the film, Hobbs is depicted as a solid professional and a confident detective.  He's no glory hound with the media - he's just a cop with a job to be done, and is glad that Reese has been brought to justice.  This brings us to Elias Koteas who, despite the short screentime he has, retains the biggest impact of the entire film.  He makes every second of screentime count for all its worth and thensome.  Elias put a lot of hard, hard work into this performance so that it would stay with you throughout the length of the film.  I've seen Elias in many different roles, the first of which was as the crimefighting Casey Jones in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action feature film, and later, among the powerhouse cast in The Prophecy.  No matter the film, whatever role he takes on, he makes it memorable.  This one is no exception.

Next, you've got John Goodman as the warm-hearted and emotionally supportive Jonesy.  Goodman always amazes me with his natural talent.  He can go from comedic and humorous to intense and dramatic at a moment's notice.  I thoroughly enjoyed his work on "Roseanne" as well as other movie roles, and in this film, he really puts it all out there.  I don't want to drop any major spoilers, but his performance at the film's end is just everything he could ever pour into a performance and thensome.  Donald Sutherland does fine work - as always.  His Lieutenant Stanton really offers a stricter and secretive counterweight to the more open relationship between Hobbs and Jonesy.  There's also a smaller supporting role with James Gandolfini as a fellow Detective with a unique personae and attitude.  Of course, he pulls it off with much charisma and energy.

Newton Thomas Sigel's cinematography on this film is filled with fantastic depth and color temperature contrast.  Also, the "demon vision" look is effectively creepy and otherworldly.  The DVD really brings out the autumn colors, the blue lighting filters, and the deep blacks of the nighttime scenes.  The audio commentary is also informative and enjoyable with several members of the crew commenting on the film.  Nicholas Kazan wrote a wonderful screenplay, and Gregory Hoblit directed a great, great film here.  This is a definite must-see for anyone who's a fan of suspenseful thrillers with supernatural elements.  On a final note, as a major Rolling Stones fan, I love the use of "Time is On My Side" and the classic "Sympathy for the Devil" in this film.  The former is sung by many in this film, but none better than John Goodman.  I never heard the song before seeing this film almost seven years ago - damn it's been THAT long(?) - but I absolutely love it now.  Anyway, catch this movie on DVD as soon as possible if you haven't already.