The First Power (1989)

13% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(5,736 ratings)

This lackluster attempt at blending equal parts action movie and supernatural thriller ends up sacrificing the merits of both genres. The plot finds baby-faced homicide detective Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips) on the trail of "Pentagram Killer" Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), negligibly assisted by… More This lackluster attempt at blending equal parts action movie and supernatural thriller ends up sacrificing the merits of both genres. The plot finds baby-faced homicide detective Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips) on the trail of "Pentagram Killer" Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), negligibly assisted by lots of occult mumbo-jumbo espoused by various doomsaying members of the Catholic Church. Channing is eventually captured and executed, but this turns out to be a big mistake: one of the Satanic powers Channing managed to acquire through ritual sacrifice is the power to transfer his soul into other living bodies, allowing him to roam about incognito and continue his killing spree. There is little overt horror on display, as we usually see only the aftermath of Channing's evil deeds; there is scarcely enough mystery to propel the police-procedural elements either. Worse, the producers apparently decided to toss in a romantic subplot involving Phillips and psychic Tracy Griffith to keep things interesting, but fail to sustain credibility even in this department. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Robert Resnikoff
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Horror

In Theaters: Apr 6, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Aug 28, 2001
Studio: Orion Pictures Corporation

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Cheesy horror flick, not worth your time
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
When it stops making no sense, it's really quite boring.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lafe F

Lou Diamond Phillips plays Detective Russell Logan -- on the bloody trail of a demonic killer who can inhabit different forms and perform super-human feats. Detective Logan is aided by a Psychic (Tess Seaton), who helps him locate the evil force. It is an action-packed showdown… More
Lou Diamond Phillips plays Detective Russell Logan -- on the bloody trail of a demonic killer who can inhabit different forms and perform super-human feats. Detective Logan is aided by a Psychic (Tess Seaton), who helps him locate the evil force. It is an action-packed showdown against evil with some really cool chases and battles. Suspenseful and fun!
Dean M

Cool horror flick of a cop battling a dead serial killer sent back to Earth by the Devil. Psst: Tracy Griffith is Melanie Griffith's half-sister.
Danny R

A fast-paced supernatural 90s thriller, with a excellent creepy atmosphere, dark vibe and a well done plot. Lou Diamond Phillips superbly plays detective Russell Logan who thinks that he has seen the end of the monstrous serial killer Patrick Channing's reign of terror, when he… More
A fast-paced supernatural 90s thriller, with a excellent creepy atmosphere, dark vibe and a well done plot. Lou Diamond Phillips superbly plays detective Russell Logan who thinks that he has seen the end of the monstrous serial killer Patrick Channing's reign of terror, when he watches his execution in the gas chamber for his heinous crimes. But Logan does not know that Channing has the power of resurrection given to him by the Devil. Logan is assisted by a psychic Tess nicely played by Tracy Griffith, in the search for the resurrected killer. The casting of character actor Jeff Kober as the killer Patrick Channing is inspired, he totally chilling as the demonic antagonist, creating a truly menacing, unnerving and eerie presence. Solid direction by Robert Resnikoff and excellent cinematography by Theo van de Sande, superb editing by Michael Bloecher, some outstanding action sequences which includes innumerable shoot-outs and car chases. Stewart Copeland delivers a excellent and effectively scary score. A thoroughly entertaining chiller. Highly Recommended.
Leo L

Great movie!

Cast

            Lou Diamond Phillips as Det. Russell Logan

            Tracy Griffith as Tess Seaton

            Jeff Kober as Patrick Channing

            Mykelti Williamson as Detective Oliver Franklin

            Elizabeth Arlen as Sister Marguerite

            Dennis Lipscomb as Commander Perkins

            Carmen Argenziano as Lieutenant Grimes

            Julianna McCarthy as Grandma

            Nada Despotovich as Bag Lady

            Susan Giosa as Carmen

            Clayton Landey as Mazza

            Hansford Rowe as Father Brian

            Philip Abbott as Cardinal

            David Gale as Monsignor

            J. Patrick McNamara as Priest

            Grand L. Bush as Resevoir Worker

            Melanie Shatner as Shopgirl

            Andrew Amador as Reporter #1

            Mark Bringelson as Driver in Alley

            Mitch Carter as Uniform Cop #1

            Robert Colaizzi as Driver

            William Fair as Detective #2

            Gokul as Street Vendor

            Ron J. Goodman as Bum in Hotel

            Todd Jeffries as Cop

            David Katims as Man In Parking Structure

            Tiiu Leek as Reporter

            Brian Libby as Bum

            Lynne Marta as Nun

            Paula McClure as Reporter #2

            Michael McNab as Uniform

            Jeff Mooring as Uniform Cop

            Bill Moseley as Bartender

            Charles Raymond as Gang Member #1

            Lisa Specht as Anchorwoman

            R. David Stephens as Desk Clerk

            Oz Tortora as Antonio

            Dan Tullis Jr. as Cop at Arrest

            Michael Wise as Cop at Tenement

            Mindy Marin
            
            David J. Partington as Detective

            Scott Lawrence as Gang Member
See full cast