Final Destination 5

So, I saw FD5 at its midnight release after purchasing my tickets days in advance. Yes, I'm that big of a fan; next to Nightmare on Elm Street, the FD franchise is my favorite. I don't want to make this a long review, but I will sum up my thoughts on this movie in one word… AMAZING! FD 5 is, IMO, the best installment to the franchise, and in some cases, surpasses the original. From start to finish, the movie is full of suspense, tension, excitement, and anticipation. It's enough to keep ME, someone who has followed this movie's production for the past year and knew just about everything about the movie going into it, at the edge of my seat. Yes, I knew who'd die, when they'd die, and how they'd die even before stepping foot into the theater. But, regardless, I wasn't let down one bit. This movie, unlike the others (minus the 1st), succeeded in giving character development. The death scenes were awesome and not too overly fictional, and even managed to throw in a new rule, "kill or be killed." Which gave a breath of fresh air to the almost stale plot that we all know of. The premonition scene is definitely the best of the franchise and the acting was on par. Not Oscar worthy, but definitely believable for what it is. I just can't say enough how great this movie is. Now I won't spoil anything for anyone, but the ending was EPIC! Words can't describe how amazing it was. Steven Quale did wonders with the use of 3D as well. Should it be seen in 3D…? YES! The film was shot in 3D and Quale knew when to emphasize the use of it without shoving it in our faces (except for the extra long title sequence, and credits). Anyways, while I loved this movie and everything about it, it did have a few things about it that underwhelmed me. The use of CGI blood was a bit more than I wanted, and at some points did look a bit fake. Also, some parts of the film were a bit too comedic. The comedic level should have been toned down for a particular scene (I'm looking at YOU, Issac.) Other than that, the movie was fantastic and an excellent installment into the FD family. I really recommend this movie, but only to those at least knowing what they are getting themselves into.

Sam Lawton (Nicholas D'Agosto) is going to his brother's wedding but his girlfriend Molly Harper (Emma Bell) cancels and breaks up. He is wrestling with a job offer in Paris. His friend boss Peter Friedkin (Miles Fisher) is trying to hide a relationship with intern Candice Hooper (Ellen Wroe). Olivia Castle (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) is a bitch. Isaac Palmer (P.J. Byrne) is a talkative womanizer. Nathan (Arlen Escarpeta) is pushed by union rep Roy and Dennis (David Koechner) is the big boss. The group is going to a business team-building retreat. The bridge collapses and most of them die. It turns out to be a dream and Sam is able to save 8 of the group. However death has different designs. Agent Jim Block (Courtney B. Vance) investigates but he doesn't believe Sam's explanation. Coroner William Bludworth (Tony Todd) warns them and gives them a possible solution.

The opening bridge death dream sequence is great and a vast improvement over the previous racetrack sequence in 4. The CG looks much better this time around. The set pieces look realistic except maybe for the final kills. After the save, the individual kills are nothing new to the franchise. The laser eye surgery is a nice kill. There is something about being close to the eye that is truly creepy. Also the final twist is nicely constructed. And who doesn't love a kill montage.

This movie will surprise you because after the disappointment of the last few movies in this franchise I had very low expectations for this film but happily for me it was dark back to the roots of the original with a great twist ending which will leave you wanting to see part 1 all over again

OK, Final Destination 5 is JUST AS GOOD as the first. And better than the sequels. It is violent as ever!, has great acting, the 3-D is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! and the plot is spectacular!!!! It' better than Final Destination 2, Final Destination 3 and Definitely The Final Destination 4! it makes The Final Destination (4, 2009) look like garbage. Me and my Dad loved it. And my Dad hated the last two. And the deaths are VERY disturbing and realistic. If you saw the last one and was turned off by it, then you will be surprised about this one. I'm glad I saw it!!!!! It was the scariest and most realistic Final Destination.

I'm a huge fan of the Final Destination series. They aren't Oscar contenders, but they are certainly quite entertaining. However, after hearing a lot of negative feedback on the 4th FD, I decided not to watch it and hung my head in disappointment. I genuinely thought my favorite deadly franchise had finally bit the dust itself, and in a bad way. But when I heard about this fifth and final Final Destination, I decided to give it one more chance. Because hey, I hadn't been to the theater in awhile and if it sucked I'd at least have a good laugh. But, I am very happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised by Final Destination 5.

The story, as other reviewers have mentioned, really sets FD5 up to good prospects. It feels a lot more like the first FD, much darker without being too complex. I honestly liked the 2nd and 3rd ones a lot, but they were missing the creepy factor that the first installment had. This fifth episode really brings it back. The characters are surprisingly believable. Granted, you have the gratuitous hot chick and ladies man, but the characters never feel contrived or forced. Kudos to the actors for keeping this from being a $5-bin campy horror film.

The effects, even in 2D, were just as I think a film's effects should be: realistic enough to avoid the fake-factor, but not so excessive that they drown out everything else in the film. Yes, one could argue that these movies are all about death, but what always made them different for me from other horrors was the focus on build-up. The FD franchise has it's fans trained to watch for every little thing in a scene that could cause someone's demise until your skin crawls--and FD5 gives the audience this "detective" feeling perfectly.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much out of this movie. However, from the very beginning, I was impressed. A few points of warning: it is very graphic, but anyone who has seen any of the other FD films should know that already. Also, you will not enjoy this film as much if you haven't watched at least the 1st FD, if not the 2nd and 3rd as well. When you factor in the story and characters, the death and mayhem we've all come to love, and one of the best plot twists I've seen this year, FD5 is very worth watching. Go on, have some fun.

But you all just be careful, now. ;)