End of Days

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollack, Robin Tunney, Rod Steiger
Directed by: Peter Hyams
Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Box Office: $66,889,043
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary:An alcoholic ex-cop (Arnold Schwarzenegger) faces his greatest challenge when he begins to protect an innocent woman (Robin Tunney) from a religious group who wants to kill her because they believe she will bear the spawn of the devil. The situation is complicated when Satan (Gabriel Byrne) takes human form and begins hunting the woman down, in order to destroy all of mankind.

Review:

Tim: This is a dark, extremely well done religious thriller than contains the perfect balance between action and suspense. In many ways, this is Arnold Schwarzenegger's darkest film. Even his character is darker and more complex than his typical action heroes.

The main problem with Satanic end-of-the-world films is that they can easily be cheesy and horribly made. End of Days is such a good movie because it is believable, frightening, and action packed. In short, it is an excellent movie.

Gabriel Byrne makes an outstanding Lucifer. He has the dark charisma you would expect from the Prince of Darkness. The conversation between he and Schwazenegger in his apartment is the highlight of the film. Byrne has some good dialogue ot work with, especially when talking about God.

The special effects are all top notch. Director Peter Hyams creates the perfect mood throughout the movie. Especially memorable is the climactic church scene with the jumping pews and Satan's manifestation.

End of Days is incredibly intense. I know people don't like it because they can't see the movie for all its good qualities. Watch this with an open mind- it is one hell of a ride (I had to make one hell-related pun).

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Devil's Advocate, Lost Souls, The Usual Suspects