Final Destination 5

To say the Final Destination series is a mixed bag would probably be an understatement, as this series has some great moments and truly terrible ones. This film edges out the other ones in the franchise and is probably the second best overall behind Bloodlines.

For one thing, the CG is either good or passable. The disaster sequence at the beginning is well done and has some great kills. Beyond that, the film twists the lore of the franchise to create a more unique ending. A lot happens in the last ten minutes that is both intriguing and weird. I particularly like the ending of this film over the endings of most of the other films, but despite that fact it makes very little sense how it's written.

Final Destination 5 has some of the more creative deaths in the franchise, with some very laugh out loud funny moments to go along with the gore. These movies are best when they are tongue in cheek and self aware, and this one works in that manner for the most part. There is some boring and unnecessary dialogue among the characters, but there are also some who are morally bankrupt and pure evil to mix things up and make the situation more interesting.

It's kinda poetic that the worst Final Destination in the franchise is followed by one of the best instalments. Final Destination 5 still heavily relies on the tried and tested formula these films love so much but it's generally executed in a significantly stronger fashion. For the most part, the characters feel more sensible and the tone is a lot clearer as the inventive kills return to feeling shocking and brutal. Plus, it's enhanced further by an unbelievably good twist.

The acting starts a little rough and then everyone generally gets better fairly quickly thankfully. It definitely helps that all the victims here are older than the teenagers who usually frequent this series since they feel a little bit smarter and more mature in comparison. Even a few of their dumbest actions are better once the twist adds a greater context. The glorious return of Tony Todd and his effortlessly sinister screen presence certainly doesn't hurt either.

Steven Quale's direction almost exclusively plays to the strengths of this long running franchise. As usual it starts with the biggest set piece which is pretty epic and unforgiving. The subsequent kills revel in misdirection and get some good jolts because of it. Just like its immediate predecessor, it has obviously been made in a way that's designed to take full advantage of the increased interest in 3-D at the time it was released and unlike the last one, it's handled in a technically competent manner mostly.

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.

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.

Anyone familiar with the Final Destination franchise knows what to expect: hot chicks, the ever-present menace of ordinary objects, and gruesome scenes of graphic death. Well, with Final Destination 5 you get all that, and in incredible 3D! I was initially concerned with the 3D during the opening credits, which feature cast and crew names on panes of glass being shattered by objects from past FD movies complete with showers of CGI blood, where the 3D would be the usual "in your face" gimmick that only makes you flinch. But in the opening bridge scene, the 3D effect dramatically enhances the frightfulness of the dizzying heights of the action and the horrifying dimension of the scene. I mean, I'm deathly afraid of heights but I was riveted.

Otherwise the death scenes were so intense and sudden that I shrieked at first but then found myself and the people around me laughing in relief and self-awareness.

FD fans will get a huge kick out of the final scene, as well as the ending montage of past FD death scenes.