Final Destination 5 Starring: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, David Koechner, Courtney B. Vance, Tony Todd
Directed by: Steven Quale
Reviewed by: Conor Flynn
I must confess having seen the first Final Destination film a number of times over the years, but I have never really warmed to it. The first film takes itself too seriously and fails in my eyes because the red-herring concept ultimately becomes highly repetitive and somewhat predictable. The sequels, if you excuse the pun, are a different kettle of fish, starting off with the massively enjoyable second entry. ‘Final Destination 2’ is a self aware, tongue in cheek benchmark; a formula movie done to perfection, so much so, that each subsequent sequel has tried to replicate this entry more than the original. Part five is the latest in the series and, surprisingly, is one of the best, but is it as good as the second film?
A number of unfortunate travellers manage to avoid Death’s plan when one person in their group, Sam (D'Agosto), sees a premonition of their demise just before it actually happens. An investigation is held into the accident, with FBI agent Jim Block (Vance) particularly suspicious of Sam. Then, one by one, each of the members die in a series of bizarre accidents and only a local coroner (Todd) seems to know the reason why…
‘Final Destination 5’ is a success at maintaining the exact same formula set out by the second film. In ways this latest film doesn’t even need a review, as the closing credits to the film are a mini-review in of itself. AC/DC’s epic ‘If You Want Blood, You Got It’ sums up the entire movie. If you enjoy macabre jokes, you should get a kick out of this film. If you don’t, you won’t; simple as. Admittedly, the invention of the series is beginning to show signs of fatigue; in particular, a scene in which a gymnast comes to a crunching, though uninspired, demise, however, the opening accident, which sets-up the rest of the film, is visually breathtaking, dramatic and darkly humorous.
Despite the films problems, it flies along with such bloodthirsty merriment you hardly notice the massive flaws. The acting is wooden, the dialogue is laughably bad and, for the most part, the plot is fairly generic stuff. That said; this sequel manages one or two surprises along the way. The opening credit sequence slyly foreshadows the ending to the film, an ending which hardcore fans of this series will thoroughly adore. Fans will also delight in the return of Tony Todd, who adds a fun plot twist to the norm. The Final Destination series is like the Big Mac of horror; part five is packed with the same laughably tasteless grue as before, which you either love or loath. It’s certainly a big improvement on the dull first and fourth films, better than the third film, but it still isn’t as good as ‘Final Destination 2’. Better than expected.
