The First Power Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop puts a serial killer in the gas chamber, which apparently gives Satan permission to make him a body-hopping ghost who just wants to keep calling the cop ‘buddy boy’ and causing spooky shenanigans.

🍿 The First Power: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Pentagram Killer and His Capture

Detective Russell Logan, known for catching serial killers, is on the hunt for the notorious ‘Pentagram Killer,’ Patrick Channing. Channing commits brutal murders marked by satanic rituals. An anonymous psychic tip leads Logan to apprehend Channing, though the detective is injured in the process. Despite a plea from the tipster not to seek the death penalty, Channing is sentenced to the gas chamber.

The Killer’s Return and a Supernatural Pursuit

Following Channing’s execution, the killing spree continues, mirroring his methods. Logan experiences unsettling visions and discovers Channing’s spirit has been freed. The anonymous tipster reveals herself as Tess Seaton, a psychic who confirms Channing now possesses the ‘First Power’—the ability to inhabit the bodies of others. Logan and Tess reluctantly team up to stop the seemingly immortal killer, who taunts them from different hosts.

Seeking Holy Help and Facing the Demonic

As Channing targets those close to Logan, the detective and Tess seek guidance. They consult Sister Marguerite, a nun who understands the supernatural forces at play. Sister Marguerite reveals details about Channing’s dark pact and the nature of his powers. Armed with a unique weapon and spiritual knowledge, they track Channing to his ritualistic locations, facing off against the killer who can jump between unsuspecting victims.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Russell Logan (Lou Diamond Phillips): The dedicated Los Angeles detective who must find a way to stop a serial killer granted supernatural power by Satan.
• Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober): A satanic serial killer who returns after execution with the power of possession to torment the detective who caught him.
• Tess Seaton (Tracy Griffith): A psychic who initially helps Logan capture Channing and then becomes his key ally against the resurrected killer.
• Sister Marguerite (Elizabeth Arlen): A nun who understands the supernatural threat and provides spiritual guidance and a special weapon to combat Channing.
• Detective Oliver Franklin (Mykelti Williamson): Logan’s police partner who becomes an early victim of Channing’s supernatural rampage after the execution.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Patrick Channing: “See you around, buddy boy!” – A chilling taunt delivered by the killer to Detective Logan after being captured, promising his return.
• Patrick Channing: “Wanna Bet!” – Said in response to Tess telling him he can’t keep on killing forever, highlighting his newfound immortality.
• Russell Logan: “So the most likely victims are alcoholics and junkies? Great, that narrows it down to half of L.A.!” – Logan makes a sarcastic remark about the prevalence of potential host bodies for the killer in Los Angeles.
• Patrick Channing: “First, I must ask a question of my own.” – Spoken by Channing while possessing the body of a priest in a confessional booth, revealing his presence to Logan.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,424,195
• Worldwide Gross: $22,424,195

💥 The First Power Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘The First Power’ again, and yeah, it’s definitely a product of its time, but man, is it fun! The idea of a serial killer getting superpowers from Satan after execution is just peak late 80s/early 90s horror. Jeff Kober as Channing is the absolute highlight. He’s creepy, funny, and just completely sells the whole demonic possession thing. I mean, the scene in the confessional booth? Classic! Lou Diamond Phillips does his best tough-guy cop, even if his character’s logic sometimes feels as flimsy as the villain’s grasp on gravity during those wild stunts. The action sequences, especially the car chases and that insane jump, really stood out. They don’t make ’em like that anymore – real stunt work! While some of the dream sequences felt a bit cheap, the overall vibe and Stewart Copeland’s score kept me hooked. It’s perfect for a late-night viewing with friends who appreciate a good dose of supernatural cheese. You just have to turn off your brain and enjoy the ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural horror films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy 90s action-thrillers”
  • “Those interested in body-possession or demonic killer themes”
  • “Audiences who appreciate B-movie entertainment”
  • “Fans of Lou Diamond Phillips or Jeff Kober”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic Violence (murders, stabbings, trampling, acid)”
  • “Brief Nudity (implied/brief female nudity mentioned in reviews)”
  • “Graphic Language”
  • “Demonic/Satanic Themes”
  • “Disturbing Images”

Professional Reviews

• B-Movie Monthly: “‘The First Power’ is a wild ride that leans hard into its bonkers premise. While the plot logic is thinner than a possessed bag lady’s patience, Jeff Kober delivers a deliciously over-the-top villain that makes the whole thing worthwhile. The action sequences are surprisingly well-executed, particularly the stunts, giving it a solid late-80s action-horror feel. It’s cheesy, sure, but undeniably entertaining for fans of supernatural thrillers.
• Horror Fanatics Journal: “More action-thriller than pure horror, ‘The First Power’ boasts a fantastic villain performance from Jeff Kober, who chews scenery with glee. Lou Diamond Phillips is a capable lead, navigating a plot that quickly spirals into supernatural absurdity. Stewart Copeland’s score adds a genuinely unnerving layer to the proceedings. While some scares fall flat and the internal rules are murky, the film maintains a relentless pace that keeps you engaged, if slightly bewildered.

Audience Reactions

Jeff Kober’s performance as the villain Patrick Channing is the film’s undisputed standout.: Viewers love the fast pace and mix of action and supernatural elements, appreciating the impressive stunts and Stewart Copeland’s effective musical score.

The concept of a body-hopping, taunting demonic killer was seen as unique and entertaining.: Many find the film a ‘guilty pleasure’ or an ‘under-rated B classic’ due to its sheer over-the-top nature and fun, albeit flawed, execution.

Overall Consensus: A fast-paced, over-the-top supernatural action-thriller bolstered by a memorable villain, strong stunts, and a creepy score, best enjoyed as a fun, cheesy B-movie.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie originally had a different ending set in a warehouse, which was less action-packed. Following successful test screenings, producers provided additional funds and time to film a new, more exciting ending in the sewers and add a sequel hook.”
• “Director Robert Resnikoff makes a cameo appearance as the writer whose throat is slit in the opening scene.”
• “Jeff Kober, who played the killer Patrick Channing, also played similar roles of supernatural villains returning from the grave in later TV shows like ‘Poltergeist: The Legacy’ and ‘Charmed’.”
• “The memorable score was composed by Stewart Copeland, drummer for the band The Police.”
• “Reviewers noted that filming locations were reused in other well-known Los Angeles-set films, including one condo location appearing in David Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ and a factory location used in Sam Raimi’s ‘Darkman’.”

🖥️ How to Watch The First Power?

As a film from 1990, finding ‘The First Power’ may require searching on various platforms. It is often available for digital purchase or rental on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray can also be found through retailers like Amazon or specialty movie sites, offering a way to own this supernatural thriller.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The First Power, you might like these similar films:

• Fallen (1998): Features a strikingly similar premise where a supernatural entity, after its host is executed, can transfer its essence and continue killing, pursued by a detective.
• Shocker (1989): Involves a serial killer who, after being executed via electric chair, returns as a vengeful energy being able to possess others, relentlessly pursuing the cop who caught him.
• The Hidden (1987): Features an alien entity that body-hops from victim to victim, engaging in violent crimes and being hunted by a human detective and an extraterrestrial partner.
• End of Days (1999): Involves a former detective battling a powerful supernatural, possibly Satanic, entity in Los Angeles, mixing action, horror, and religious themes.

🛒 The First Power Related Products

• The First Power (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): Experience the cult classic horror film in high definition with this special collector’s edition, featuring interviews with cast members like Lou Diamond Phillips and Jeff Kober, and behind-the-scenes details.
• Occult Horror Film Collection (Digital Bundle): A digital collection featuring classic and obscure horror films exploring themes of Satanism, possession, and the supernatural, similar to ‘The First Power’. Includes several hidden gems from the genre.
• Pentagram Killer Replica Prop (Display Piece): A detailed prop replica inspired by the iconic pentagram symbol associated with the film’s villain, Patrick Channing. Crafted for display purposes, capturing the eerie aesthetic.
• Retro 90s Supernatural Thriller Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction movie poster featuring the original theatrical artwork for ‘The First Power’, printed on durable paper stock.

🎧 Soundtrack

The First Power features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Revolcada” – performed by Mariachi Uclatlan
• “Original Score” – performed by Stewart Copeland

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

THE FIRST POWER (1990) – Horror Movie Review – Lou Diamond Phillips

Curious about this spooky 90s flick? This review dives into why *The First Power* might just be a hidden gem you missed – perfect if you’re looking for an underrated horror movie!

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