Since
the release of Scream, there has been a barrage of teen slasher films that all
seem to be fueled by the same elements. Big name TV. talents and supposed hip
dialogue. Thankfully, Final Destination starts off a half a step above the rest
then settles into the confines of the expected banality.
Devon
Sawa plays a teenager who has a premonition that his overseas flight to France
will be cut short by an explosion. In a frenzy, he convinces some of his class
mates to get off the plane. When the premonition becomes a reality, Sawa and his
pals realize they have inadvertently cheated death. Unfortunately, Death isn't
at all pleased, and throughout the film, the survivors start dropping like fly's.
Final Destination has some huge, genuine scares as well as a rollicking and intense
opening. Unfortunately, the tension isn't sustained for the entire film and some
moments are down right laughable.
The
film makers have also included an obvious and rather dull ending. Still, director
James Wong has a talent for suspense and I'm looking forward to his next film.
In the end, Final Destination is a better idea than a film. And although it's
much better than the last Scream entry, it's hardly a masterpiece.
