MOVIE REVIEW - THE FINAL DESTINATION

MOVIE REVIEW THE FINAL DESTINATION

Like death, the Final Destination franchise has never been one to take a holiday. It would have been nice had it done so as this fourth entry squeezes the last vestiges of what made it vaguely appealing. In an industry obsessed with sequels and endless filthy lucre, another outing was a given only this time with some 3-D to spice proceedings. Not really making it any better, it at least provides distraction to its adherence to mediocre convention. Whilst watching a motor-race, Nick (Bobby Campo) has a deadly premonition. Foreseeing a shocking crash, he persuades his reluctant girlfriend and others to leave. As they depart, Nick's vision comes true as carnage envelopes unsuspecting spectators. Relieved they've cheated death little do Nick and his friends know that fate has other plans as one by one their lives potentially become extinguished by its cruel hands. If there were an award for 'Laziest Horror Film of the Year' then The Final Destination would win. Bereft of characterisation, logic and thrills, it goes through the motions like a clapped out car. It's sad the series has descended to this as originally it had some spark amongst the devilish fun. You could cheer on the victims in the hope they survive with some decent acting amongst the spectacular effects. Here there is nothing but a continual mean spiritedness with lashings of gore signalling the franchise's surrender to pure formula. Save for a reasonably creative finale, everything about The Final Destination is a shambles. The dreadful acting is at the top of the list with each death greeted with the passion of a piece of wood. The mechanical 'connect the dots' nature of the whole enterprise disguises that the director and writer responsible for this mess seemingly called in their contribution. The 3-D effects are minimal at best and offer not an ounce of excitement amongst the mayhem. When you start hoping a film will end quickly you know it's in trouble and to its credit the running time is mercifully brief. There have been some first rate horror films recently. The Final Destination isn't one of them. Lacking invention and anything scary, it can only be hoped that the death knell has finally sounded for a series long past its used by date.  

Movie Rating Rating 0 / 10

 Movie Review by Patrick Moore  

The Final Destination released in Australia on Thursday 15th October 2009.

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 Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.