With the late 90's reigniting and resurrecting the horror film, the early 2000's brought another successful franchise into the horror realm. That is the "Final Destination" series. It almost took on a completely different look. Death was originally written to have an actual on-screen presence instead of something a little more mystical and ominous. Luckily, they went a different way. Personally, I don't think that would have worked as well if they hadn’t.
Final Destination (2000). After having a premonition of the plane exploding, Alex de-boards the aircraft and is joined by a few others-- some voluntarily, some not. As they are stuck in the airport, being forced to catch the next plane, they see the plane explode. They are saved by his vison-- at least temporarily. Death has a plan and Alex interfered with that plan. So death plans to take the lives that he saved, one by one.
Final Destination 2 (2003). A new group escapes death by avoiding a pile up on the road in a traffic accident. Once again, death must come after them to claim the lives that were saved. Melanie - Final Destination 2 Scarred me for Life. 
Final Destination 3 (2006). This group avoid death in an amusement park on a roller coaster. An interesting concept was the "Choose Their Fate" feature on the DVD. Personally, I would have liked to see it explored a little bit more. As it is, most cases it just chooses between a quick death vs a slower, more suspenseful death. I would have liked them to use more time and shoot alternate footage so you can choose who the survivors of the film are. Basically have 5-6 different versions of the film, where each of the characters (or pair of characters) has a chance to live until the end. That was my first thought when I saw the feature listed on the DVD. So, while it was fun to see a few variations, I was a little let down not to see it fully explored to its potential. (Side note-- but I do understand what that would have done to the budget and filming time just for some "extra footage".)
The Final Destination (2009, aka Final Destination 4). First off, I hate that title. It’s too similar to the original "Final Destination". They are just adding "the" to the beginning of it. It could have been somewhat clever if it was the final movie in the franchise, but the box office spoke loud and clear and they made another. Anyway, this movie was shot in 3D and the plot involves escaping death at a raceway after a premonition of an accident that escalates, causing havoc, mayhem, and mass casualties. A small group survives and death has to reclaim them. Some cool 3D effects to see in the theater though.
Final Destination 5 (2011). This is set on a corporate retreat with work colleagues. Same basic premise. Yadda yadda yadda. But hey, we don't watch horror films and their sequels for originality. Do we? This franchise in particular is known for its unique and elaborate kills and some suspenseful kill sequences-- the gymnast sequence and the salon sequence come to mind especially. Always kept you waiting, knowing something was going to happen but you didn't know when. Just when you thought it was safe, BOOM, it wasn't! Some are not for the faint of heart but are done very well. This film is nice little wrap-up to the series. I, for one, did not see the ending coming. Although, there were some subtle clues, and one nagging question I had while watching it the first time but shhh, no spoilers for this one, sweetie. The details about a possible sixth installment in 2020 are scarce. It’s been called a reimagining or a reboot. I guess we won't really know where it falls in line with the rest of the series until we see it-- if its ever finished. Death may have claimed it
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
And Now For The Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Prize Pack" Beauty Horror Coloring Book, Horror Charm Bracelet, & Horror Stickers, sent in by Jennnifer Rhodes Cleere, and some things from the Melanie's Muses Prize collection -including a Carrie DVD sent in by Ali Foy, and a "Horror Head" sent in by John Patrick Kennedy (Complete with the Amazon note he included). For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling Us If You Had Been On The Plane - Would You Have Stayed On or Would You Have Wanted To Get Off! (I would have been off that plane quicker than you can imagine!) The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments. Other comments about the article are very welcome but only entrants with the qulifying comments will go in the hat! What you ask for will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question! Winner will be announced during the Live show on January 24th 2021 (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 25th. Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
|
RSS Feed