Final Destination

Starring: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith, Kristen Cloke, Seann William Scott, Daniel Roebuck
Directed by: James Wong
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: High school student Alex (Devon Sawa) has a premonition of the plane he and his friends are about to depart upon, crashing. This causes him and several of his friends to get thrown off the plane, and moments later, the plane explodes. While the survivors deal with their guilt, they begin to realize that they were supposed to die on that plane, and now death is chasing them down, one by one and reclaiming their lives.

Review:
Tim: It took me a very long time to see this movie. I always thought it looked very interesting. I love the premise of the film- death hunting down survivors because they were fated to die. The whole movie is about our protagonists cheating death, and death determined to get even. This brings up some fascinating questions about life and death. How long can you stay alive when Death wants you dead? Is there such a thing as fate? What happens when you disrupt what is supposed to happen? These are lofty questions for a typical teen horror film. Luckily, there is very little that feels old here. This whole movie feels fresh and new, even when it isn't.

I like the cast. I didn't know much about Devon Sawa, but I thought he did a very good job in the lead role. I loved the casting of Ali Larter and Seann William Scott- they both worked really well in this film. Kerr Smith was also fairly strong as well. I also liked seeing the often overlooked Daniel Roebuck in his role.

This movie is enjoyable because it offers the same thing most horror movies aspire to- some chills and thrills while potential victims try to stay alive. However, it is refreshing not to see some serial killer or murderous supernatural being. The villain here is Death itself, which changes everything. Our villain kills not because he is sick or twisted, not for revenge or bloodlust, but simply because that is what he is. There is something scary about trying to live when Death wants you dead. You can't compromise with death, you can't stab him and kill him. How do you escape something unseen, unrelenting, and immortal? That is why I liked this movie.

Final Destination is a good movie. At its core, it is still a teen horror flick, which is typically difficult to get right. However, this film brings some unique and interesting qualities that give off the impression that you haven't seen something like this before. The death sequences are all elaborate and exciting, and the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. I actually found myself happily enjoying this movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Final Destination 2, Final Destination 3