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Final Destination 5 (2011)
Tags: (13 votes)
Rating #:
7/10
Director:
Steven Quale
Runtime:
92 minutes
Cast:
Miles Fisher,
Arlen Escarpeta,
Nicholas D'Agosto,
Ellen Wroe,
Meghan Ory,
Tony Todd,
David Koechner,
P.J. Byrne,
Emma Bell,
Jaqueline MacInnes Wood,
Courtney B. Vance It’s no secret that the Final Destination franchise hit quite the rough patch two years ago with the fourth outing. To say it was a disappointment is an understatement. It was a straight up lazy excuse to add a 3D surcharge to a movie ticket, and came off like no time or care were actually put into it. Needless to say, I was NOT keen on the announcement that a fifth film had been greenlit (especially with one of the writers behind that bitchass Nightmare on Elm Street remake penning it). But as the film progressed, it became apparent that the producers heard the
outrage over that last film loud and clear, and attempted to save their franchise. Did they succeed? For the most part, yes.From the opening scene it was evident that the filmmakers were going to take this one up a notch, and deliver on the bloody goods. The requisite disaster this time around is a collapsing bridge, and it is without question the most ambitious and over the top disaster sequence of the franchise. Filled to the brim with escalating tension, and in your face gore, this scene shows how well a movie can utilize 3D to benefit it as a whole. I don’t know about you guys, but I have all about had it with 3D, thanks to a rash of sub-par conversions and
filmmakers that have no idea how to properly shoot with it. However, director Steven Quale not only keeps the blood flying in your face, but also a great depth of field for the entire run time. But before we even reach the bridge, we’re treated to an opening credits cycle (set to the movie’s rocking main theme, that I totally downloaded and work out to) that any 80s horror fan will recognize as a fun homage to the Friday the 13th series, which seems fitting since, if you think about it, both franchises share some similarities. Every movie is seemingly the same recycled story, but at the end of the day, they’re made to be nothing more than an hour and a half of entertaining fun. Some scenes in Part 5 are just down right a blast to experience in a crowded theater, something
that Part 4 severely lacked.There’s no reason to go deep into the actual plot for the film, since I mentioned before that it’s basically the same recycled story. Though, while we all expect that by now, I kind of wish they tried to change it up a little more. One of the strongest aspects of this entry is that it introduces the theory that if you kill someone in your place that wasn’t supposed to die, you’ve traded places with them and get their remaining years. Unfortunately, it’s a too little too late plot device, that really could have taken the movie down a new, mean spirited route had it been introduced earlier on. Instead, the second act is populated by the usual array of freak accidents that happen within set-pieces outside of the main narrative, with
the new “kill or be killed” theory merely teased. Though I do give the filmmakers props for bringing the series full circle. If this is the last of the series, at least it’ll go out respectably. Another staple of the series is assembling a really ridiculously good looking cast to fill up death’s quota, and this installment is no different. The two leads, Nicholas D’Agosto and Emma Bell, have both proven themselves as capable actors in the past, which is why it’s disappointing to see them come off as mediocre at best during their far too many “emotional” scenes. I’m not sure if it’s because Director Quales was too preoccupied with the technical aspects, if
the scenes are just flat out badly written, or perhaps a combination of the two? Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is sex on two legs, so she merely has to walk on frame to get in my good graces. Miles Fisher, the mastermind behind the viral Final Destination/Saved by the Bell mash-up (and a phenomenal American Psycho parody that you all should watch), fairs the best out of the supporting cast, and something tell me he’ll end up being this film’s breakout star. Though all I kept thinking about was how much he looks like Kourtney Kardashian’s raging alchy baby-daddy. During pre-production, there was talk about how Tony Todd would have a more prominent role than the previous installments. And while he does, it’s sadly still not much more than a glorified cameo.
Though my expectations were at an all time low, Final Destination 5 delivered everything you’d expect. Creative deaths, a fast pace, and an overall entertaining theater going experience. Its main fault was sticking way too close to the same formula, and switching it up too late in the game, but it was still one helluva fun ride, and far better than it had any right to be.
| Posted on August 15, 2011 - 9:09pm | Johnny D |
Dates are tentative and subject to change.
- Fri, May 25, 2012 (VOD)
- Fri, May 25, 2012
- Fri, June 1, 2012
- Fri, June 1, 2012 (Limited)
- Fri, June 8, 2012
- Tue, June 12, 2012 (DVD)
- Tue, June 12, 2012 (DVD)
- Fri, June 22, 2012
- Tue, June 26, 2012 (DVD)
- Tue, July 10, 2012 (DVD)
- Fri, July 13, 2012
- Tue, July 24, 2012 (DVD)
- Fri, August 3, 2012 (VOD)
- Tue, August 14, 2012 (VOD)(DVD)
- Fri, August 17, 2012
- Fri, August 24, 2012
- Fri, August 31, 2012 (VOD)
- Fri, August 31, 2012
- Fri, September 14, 2012
- Fri, September 21, 2012
- Fri, September 28, 2012 (VOD)
- Fri, October 5, 2012
- Fri, October 19, 2012
- Fri, January 4, 2013
- Fri, January 11, 2013
- Fri, January 11, 2013
- Fri, February 1, 2013
- Fri, February 22, 2013
- Fri, March 15, 2013
- Fri, April 12, 2013
- Fri, June 21, 2013
- Fri, June 28, 2013
- Fri, July 12, 2013
- Fri, October 18, 2013
Decent flick, but the formula is so worn that it is a relief they end up the franchise with it, hopefully. A bit better than the previous one, though.
yeah i really enjoyed f.d. 5, i thought it was really good. way better than 3 and 4. i really enjoyed the story and absolutely loved the ending, didn't see that coming! great movie, now please stop making them!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was far better then the previous few we have seen. I consider it probably 2nd overall best behind the first and FD2 coming in at a close third.
The ending was unexpected but certainly was a shocker
this movie hurt to watch it was so brutal. i think this franchise has (knowingly and respectfully) worn out its welcome. i enjoyed it, but i'm ready to piss money elsewhere.
The 4th one really sucked and the 3rd one lost my interest. The 1st two were alright, but this one was surprisingly good. I won't spoil the ending, but it is definately worth watching when you get the chance
I MUST SAY I AGREE WITH THE REVIEW FOR THE MOST PART..IT DID HAVE SOME SLOW MOMENTS IN THERE BUT THEY PICKED UP THE PACE AND THE 3D WAS AMAZING..I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THIS ONE..BY THE END IT LOOKS LIKE THIS COULD BE THE FINAL ONE...
I just gotta say I completely agree with this review
My wife and I loved the original Final Destination and really enjoyed Final Destination 2 as well (best opening for sure.) And I have to say that Final Destination 5 takes the 2nd place trophy by far and away.
What it did poorly:
Didn't incorporate the premonitions throughout. I loved those scenes in the 1st where paper got shredded and spelled out someone's name and hints like that. It really brought supernatural aspect of the movie to the forefront.
The acting was poor even for a FD movie. I suppose you could say that about 2-4 as well but regardless the love story aspect was kind of pointless when none of the actors was believable.
Plot holes, even for a FD movie. My wife and I were debating a couple of items after the movie was done and we were left with some aggravating points of contention.
What it did well:
Solid opening! Don't know what that last person was talking about. "Watch your step", the bridge sign with the horizontal section of the bridge broken.
Deaths! The deaths were quite good everything was pretty well put together, graphic, gory and there were enough red herrings to throw you off from the the real death. There was even legitmate suspense for some of the deaths.
Finally... the ending! Oh my God the ending! I think I would lose track if I tried to count all the horror movies I've watched in the last couple of years that have had horrible endings. This one I actually said, "Oh sh******t!" out loud in the theater it was so good. If anyone ruins the ending for you they should be shot. It was literally perfect, if they never do another Final Destination this would be an amazing way to end the series. I would defy anyone to pick a horror movie with a better ending.
Bottomline if you're a Final Destination fan, you will love this movie. It's almost good enough to make you forget 4... almost.
Back on track and as bloody as ever.. The best part of this movie is the kills and how they tied it back in with the first. If this is the last one i would be happy.. if another pops up id watch it.. but i dont think they could do better then this for an ending!
Personaly I really liked this movie and the deaths were really good too
. The ending is easly my favorite of the series and I wouldn't mind a sixth if it ever comes to. 
I saw this movie.it's not my favorite.it was pretty good,but was missing something.All the other movies started out interesting,but this one had a boring start! Not to mention just like the other user said,the element of surprise wasn't there like usual.There were no signs of when death was coming.Not to mention they never tried to interveen to make the design keep skipping them.but awesome ending and deaths!
I have to be honest, I completely disagree with this review.
The tension was completely absent from the opening catastrophe. Usually there are some pretty ominous clues and foreshadowing that happen before shit goes down, which simply were not there (apart from a Watch Your Step sign on the bus, which really didn't make sense.) One minute, they're having breakfast, then the next they're on the bridge and then with minimal warning, things start falling apart. I remember thinking to myself "Oh, I guess it's starting now?" To say that this scene was the most over the top and ambitious is false. The opening scene in FD2 (highway pileup) is by far one of the most tense scenes I've ever seen in any movie. The build up is great and you know something awful is going to happen, and when it does, it just doesn't let up. Sure, the gore isn't really there, but the scene makes up for it with incredible visuals and genuine 'holy crap' moments.
The deaths scenes were alright for the most part, however I feel like in most cases the deaths were actually pretty preventable. In the other movies, I felt that when the death scene started, the character was basically screwed and had no chance for survival. In FD5, it almost seemed like in some instances the deaths were completely avoidable by just standing up and leaving the room.
I do agree with the reviewer in regards to the on screen acting, which I attribute to poor writing. Example: "Mind if I come in?" "Yeah, come on in" Not to get nit picky, but the correct answer is "Not at all, come on in" I would have let this slide, but this mistake was actually made a few times throughout the movie. Maybe I'm just being anal, but I feel like this is a pretty bad rookie mistake.
Anyway, all of that said, it was still way better than FD4, and there were a few good scenes with insane amounts of tention (the gym scene had incredible build up with great payoff), but to give the impression that this was a strong entry in the series is simply misleading.