Custom Search
|
|
My Review Of The Final Destination
The second one followed the same idea but took a more black comedy approach with the proceedings. The deaths, with their Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions, were highly inventive, and there was a mean spirited sense of fun prevalent throughout that really won me over. The third movie was a tad disappointing at first but regardless; it rightfully fit into a neat little trilogy with its predecessors. The fourth is a little more problematic.The fourth movie (which dropped the number 4 and was renamed The Final Destination), was easily one of my most anticipated movies of 2009. And to sweeten the deal, it was going to be in 3D! After being underwhelmed by My Bloody Valentine 3D, I was looking forward to seeing a 3D film that I could really sink my teeth into. Sadly, after this weekend, I am still waiting.The film begins with a group of four friends who have gone to a NASCAR-like racetrack for a day of fun. The film’s lead, Nick (played somewhat woodenly by newcomer Bobby Campo) has the requisite opening scene premonition where a horrible crash on the track causes a massacre in the stands, killing Nick, his friends, and many others. After he comes out of the premonition, Nick tries to convince his girlfriend Lori (Shantel Van Santen) and their friends Hunt (Nick Zano) and Janet (Haley Webb) that they are all in danger and need to leave NOW. This causes a mini-riot between Nick and a few other spectators. As a result of the scuffle, security guard George (none other than Bubba Gump himself Mykelti Williamson) kicks them all out of the stadium. Before we know it, the crash Nick predicted really happens and the survivors begin dying in the order they would have died in the accident.After three movies, there really is no need for exposition or discussion of how to beat Death (they touch upon it lightly here but only briefly) yet that doesn’t mean they have to do away with character development altogether. The movie runs a scant 82 minutes (and that’s including credits) so you can imagine there isn’t much time here to get to know our victims. Apparently, there were much longer cuts of the movie, but after unfavorable reactions from test audiences (who apparently don’t have time for those silly things) they trimmed the movie down to its bare bones. I think it’s sort of sad that moviemaking days of yore are gone – movies are no longer made with a director’s vision in mind and focus more on the almighty dollar. They think about how to get the fastest bang for their buck, and a lot of times overlook the longtime fans that yearn for a little more substance. It’s insulting to think that the suits view the audience as having the attention span of a fly. As if we couldn’t sit through an extra ten minutes (God forbid!) The previous movies, while not much longer than this entry, still managed to give their characters some backstories so we got to know them a little better in their final hours. Here it is literally death after death. At the half hour mark, four people had already died!Some actors fare better than others. Despite his limited screen time, Nick Zano does just fine as the requisite obnoxious frat boy (in fact, he’s one of the better actors here too). We don’t need extensive backstory on Hunt - he’s simply a fun stereotype - yet the filmmakers still manage to add a few touches that add to his development as a character. I was glad they kept one scene in (you’ll know it when you see it) that helped define his development (or lack thereof – Hunt does not heed Nick’s warnings and is simply out to have fun). Also faring adequately with his screen time is Justin Welborn as Carter the racist. His character is so loathsome and politically incorrect that by the time he meets his strongly ironic demise, you’ll be glad we didn’t have to endure any more time with him than we were given. Other characters could have used a few more scenes of development before hopping on the gravy train to the Great Beyond – namely Andrew Fiscella as the mourning mechanic Andy and Krista Allen as the “MILF” Samantha. Both actors would have benefited from a few more scenes of us getting to know them and their lives. Instead they are dispatched before we get a chance to say hello.But let’s be honest. The real reason people flock to these movies is the DEATHS. That’s the cherry on top of the sundae. Interestingly enough, the filmmakers chose to take a more lighthearted approach to the macabre this time around, and gone is the gloomy, sulking presence of Death in the shadows. Because of this, the CGI is somewhat cartoonish and the gore never feels as organic and horrifying as the previous three movies (most especially the second). Only one death involving a swimming pool stood apart from the others as being truly frightening, mostly because its something that could really happen. We can relate to these things because we encounter them as we go about our everyday life. That particular pool sequence, matched with another setpiece at a carwash where two characters are in danger at the exact same time, was the only moment when I really felt the movie had hit its stride. The execution was intense and brilliant, and it brought something new to the table. As refreshing as this sequence is, it unfortunately does not hold up for the rest of the flick.The failure of this film as a whole is largely frustrating due to the fact that I know they could have done better. All the elements for success were there. The director of the unbeatable part two, David Ellis, is back in director’s seat, as is producer Craig Perry, who has been with the franchise since the beginning. The script was written by Eric Bress, who co-wrote the second film, and there has been a few years since the last movie. This gives everyone involved ample time to churn out an amazing film. Instead, this feels like it was slapped together in matter of months. For hardcore fans of the franchise, I recommend checking this out in the theater, if nothing more than to support our genre (though things are looking good as the flick took in $28 million this weekend!) For the casual viewer, you might want to wait until this puppy hits Dish Network Pay-Per-View. The cost of admission for a movie in 3D is slightly higher than a regular ticket, so keep that in mind as well when deciding whether or not to go.Despite its flaws, I can’t bring myself to hate this movie, nor even strongly dislike it. I suppose I could compare myself to the Star Wars fans when it comes to the Final Destination series. I will always support these movies, even through mediocre entries, good times and bad, just as the Star Wars fans defended their saga after the less than stellar new trilogy was released. To me, the new Star Wars films were horrible movies, but try telling the rabid fans that. Over the years, the Final Destination flicks only helped fuel my love for the horror movie genre, so I will embrace each one equally. After all, wouldn’t you love all your children despite their flaws? The Final Destination is just like my wayward offspring who stumbled a little bit along the way. But I’ll still be there for him. I’ll pick him up, help dust him off, and hope he does better in the future.Bring on Final Destination 5! By: Frank Bilotta Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Frank helps people learn about Dish Network Satellite TV, and how they can save money every month with popular Dish Network Packages. Frank and his team also help people determine if satellite internet is right for them. |
|