The Possession of Michael D. (1995 TV Movie) User Reviews

Clever and dramatic evil spirit possession movie.

[insomniac_rod · 7/10 · 24 December 2007]

Underrated evil spirit possession movie that deals with a new formed family that tries to start a new life although there is a dark, horrible past behind the pure intentions.

Michael and his new wife and kids decide to buy a new house but suddenly, strange and diabolical situations start to happen until they're easily visible and more.

Everything points out that Michael is possessed but before that diagnostic, everyone (including his family) believes that he's on purpose behind the horrible situations that his possessed being commits.

Suddenly, after the testimony of Michael's ex wife we learn that the possession happened MANY years before he started a new life. Everything started when Michael's parents died in brutal ways but I won't spoil that. It's a very interesting theory that will make you understand the whole evil spirit possession.

A movie that does not tries to copy The Exorcist (heck, it even makes fun about it twice! not to mention that it also spoils "A Nightmare On Elm Street"),but I'm not typing that it has some sort of black comedy or anything; it puts some limits to make it look like a very different from the "The Exorcist" specifically. Of course there are many f/x that will remind you about "The Exorcist" or "Amytivile II" but this movie is more than just diabolical f/x or anything similar.

This movie actually delivers expectations and has intense suspense and drama. I wouldn't say it's scary and disturbing but it delivers on the interesting factor.

Please give this movie a try because I won't let you down if you expect a clever Horror Thriller with Dramatic features.

Truly a "trickle-down-your-spine" movie for all horror/suspense fans...

[teddy-19 · 10/10 · 4 March 1999]

This clip is not the most blood-gushing, intriguing, chainsawwaving movie of all times, but it has an eerie vibe, highlighted by small pieces of morphing fx here and there. I found myself grasping for air and moving around because of the nervous feeling it brought to me. The actors are great and when the movie has brought you into a false state of calm, it hits you in the face with really cool shock fx. I was a nervous wreck from the 10th minute to the end... Do not miss this one, and don't let the TV thing or the "Teleplay" scare you off. The movie itself will scare you s**tless :) Cheerz Teddybeer

a very entertaining story of possession,which does not follow the usual formula

[disdressed12 · 8/10 · 5 March 2007]

i really enjoyed this movie.it's a movie about a man who,becomes possessed by an evil spirit.at the beginning we are told it is based on factual events,which is possible,but there's no way to verify that claim.for a made for TV,this 1 is quite well done.i think a big part of the reason for this is that the movie focuses more on the acting than than on big budget,bombastic special effects.the effects are low key,but well done.the movie also dwells on the psychological aspects of someone being posses and how they deal with it.the acting is very convincing,more so than in many movies of the genre,made for TV or not.i also like that you don't know the reason for the possession,and when the reason is revealed,it's somewhat surprising(at least for me,it was)the movie doesn't take the usual rouete travelled by most in the genre,which is refreshing.all in all,a very entertaining suspenseful,well acted movie.my vote:a strong 8/10

Effective Made for TV Possession - Not The Usual

[Rainey-Dawn · 8/10 · 10 September 2017]

This is not the typical demonic possession horror-thriller - nothing like the Exorcist or other rip-offs. This film seems to be a more realistic take of what would happen if demonic possession was real - and I like that idea: a heavy dose of realism to go with the fantasy/horror aspect.

There are only a few times in the film you "see" what appears to be a demon inside him.. and the effects are good for a TV Movie of the 1990s. I think the tongue flick was pretty creepy! lol Over all this is a good possession movie, not typical at all, - it is not "out there" with the demon but, again, takes a bit more realistic approach for a very effective film.

8.5/10

"Leave Him, You Pathetic Cow!"

[azathothpwiggins · 31 May 2021]

THE POSSESSION OF MICHAEL D. (aka: LEGACY OF EVIL) is a made-for-TV movie, "inspired by true events". Michael (Stephen Lang) has been experiencing unsettling nightmares. Otherwise, he's super-dad, buying a new puppy for his daughters.

Stephen's fiancee, Jenny (Sheila McCarthy) is lovingly supportive, smiling out the window while sweet music plays. A perfect wedding is planned to make things perfectly "official", so these lovebirds can enjoy their perfect family.

More music intones, and Jenny's tear ducts are activated, along with the viewer's gag reflex.

Thankfully, seconds later, Michael is assailed by some dark, unearthly force, and encircled by eeevil voices! Oh great! Here's Jenny to make things all better, enabling the familial perfection to resume. The situation only gets more pristine from here.

Have no fear. Michael soon has another of his "episodes". Many bizarre circumstances occur, defying explanation. Michael begins acting in an odd, dangerous fashion, and the sweet music is replaced by whooping devil sounds!

Oh no!

Wedding bells ring, threatening to hurtle everything back into syrupy bliss! As Michael asks Jenny, "Do you know how beautiful you are?", we feel our throats constrict.

But, wait!

A blessedly short ceremony is disturbed by further bedevilment! From now on, it's show time! Full-on creepiness ensues, including spontaneous combustion, demonic shenanigans, hypnosis, regression therapy, paranormal investigators, electronic gadgets, and a cameo appearance by Phylicia Rashad!

The finale involves a revelation of the "terrible truth", and all heck -sort of- breaks out.

Though heavy-laden with its "love conquers all" theme, this movie is very entertaining if one is in the right mood. Depending upon one's temperament, the viewer will either need a box of tissues, or a barf bag...