Routine ‘Rite’ of passage

Not as disturbing as the more iconic and influential films about possession that preceded it, “The Rite” adequately establishes the inner turmoil of a skeptical seminarian (Colin O’Donoghue) assigned to assist a seasoned exorcist (Anthony Hopkins). The other threats and conflicts, however, are routinely presented; it gets quite cheesy when expected confrontations and realizations happen. Hopkins isn’t entirely creepy when he needs to be, but the times he does succeed are memorable. O’Donoghue shows promise, giving some depth to an otherwise drab character.