Friday 3 February 2012

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE: FINAL DESTINATION 5 (DVD)



How many movie franchises get to part five and still require immediate attention? Friday the 13th, Scary Movie, Police Academy, A Nightmare on Elm Street… even Rocky lost the fight in round five. And don’t get me started on Star Wars. Final Destination reinvented a stagnant horror genre with its tongue planted firmly in cheek, and it did it so well, nobody seemed to mind when they repeated the formula three times over. Part one was great. Part two had the best opening of the series. Part three had the most imaginative death scenes and part four sucked.  Everything rests on part five - the final chapter. Unless it makes a shit load of money of course.

He said: Death stalks a group of co-workers who avoid a grisly demise in a massive suspension bridge collapse after one of them - wait for it - experiences a terrifying premonition. Tony Todd returns in the fifth instalment of the Final Destination series alongside Nicholas D’Agosto (a future in rom-coms awaits), Miles Fisher (Tom Cruise with facial hair), P.J. Byrne (comic relief guy), and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (so much hotter in glasses).

She said: Rediscovering where the treasure was buried, director Steven Quale (Aliens of the Deep) capitalises with some nerve-shredding set-pieces for our entertainment. You won’t know where to look.

He said: The first thing you’ll notice is just how much Miles Fisher looks and acts like Tom Cruise.

She said: It’s quite annoying to begin with, but he does tone it down as the movie goes on.

He said: Final Destination 5 comes with a blistering opening sequence that more than makes up for part four’s over reliance on 3D. It’s funnier too, with wittier dialogue and hilarious shock tactics littered throughout. The F.D. series works best when it prolongs the torment, and Steve Quale makes the most of every drawn out set piece.

She said: If you’re familiar with the formula then you know it’s all about the opening, and although it isn’t the best in the series, it certainly isn’t the worst either. Some of the deaths are brutal, and a good indication of what is to come.

He said: The gymnastic routine is a standout, but anyone considering laser eye surgery should also cast a cautionary glance. The ‘kill to survive’ theme is a nice touch but could’ve been used better, and the final twist is actually rather sweet but again, the filmmakers don’t quite exploit it to its full potential.

She said: Quale keeps you waiting. And waiting. And then he makes you wait some more. Each death scene toys with the audience splendidly, just the way we like it, and both scenes mentioned above will have you squirming very uncomfortably.

He said: Final destination 5 won’t change the world - it barely shakes up the franchise - but it more than makes up for the film that precedes it. If part four provided proof that the formula was fallible, part five goes someway to suggesting it was only a blip. I mean really, I could watch these movies all night.

She said: I couldn’t. The ending, although tying the whole franchise up neatly, isn’t as good as it could have been, but considering we know what’s coming, the film plays the numbers game very well and is far more satisfying than you could’ve hoped for. Now let’s move on, shall we?


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