You ever feel like a movie franchise has worn out its premise, that it’s doing nothing but grinding gears at this stage in its cycle? Well, that’s exactly the way I felt about Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides when it launched earlier this summer, and for some strange reason, that’s how I was feeling entering Final Destination 5. After all, The Final Destination, the film that came out two years ago, didn’t really have much of a presence, save for a pair of couple of death sequences that did leave me wondering if I should see a movie at a mall anytime soon. But then something happened. I sat through the fifth chapter in this series and, despite wondering how it got to that point, I actually felt like this had a purpose to it. That’s not how I felt about The Final, or even Final Destination 3 for that matter. But here, there was actually some sense of fun about it, and maybe even a little bit of closure. Because, let’s be honest, it’d be hard for Final Destination 6 to roll around and outdo this little sequel. It’s the best in the series since the original, honestly. So here’s the gist. The premise is just about the same. A natural disaster of sorts is ready to claim the lives of a few folks on a bus trip. This time around, it’s a bridge collapse, due to some strong winds knocking some cables loose. Now, the opening bridge sequence is spectacular, with a few graphic deaths really taking advantage of the 3-D and some interesting situations abound.
But then it all turns out to be a premonition, with some kid foreseeing it in advance. So, of course, he gets everyone off the bus, and they all watch as the bridge collapses and they feel thankful for their lives. But then, at the funeral of those who did perish, they run into William Bludworth (Tony Todd), a coroner who warns them that “death doesn’t like to be cheated”. Now, if you’ve seen the other four films, you get an idea where this is going. One by one, the survivors find themselves in peculiar situations where they get offed in truly horrifying ways. One is in the midst of gymnastics practice when the unexpected happens – but we won’t say what. Others are either taking part in an acupuncture session (ouch), laser eye surgery, or just plain working. How they get taken out is part of the fun, as you don’t see what’s going to happen until it unfolds. The death sequences are much more creative this time around – and more satisfying as a result. What’s more, there’s something that happens towards the end that actually gives the story a neat twist this time around, rather than just another run-around of “oh, joy, they’re trying to survive again”. This time, there seems to be a sense of closure to the series, one that makes it feel as if we’ve truly reached the Final Destination. Again, no spoiler, but you’ll like it when you see it – especially if you’re familiar with the franchise. Credit Steven Quale.
This director originally worked under James Cameron in several of his films and his masterful hand shows here, not only with some terrific death sequences, but the bridge collapse itself, as well as some opening and closing credit sequences that actually take full advantage of the 3-D format – but if you see the film in 2-D, that’s hunky dory too. Credit also writer Eric Heisserer for paying close attention to what worked well in the franchise to date, without milking it to overkill or making the kids dumb enough to repeat the common mistakes that the other perished victims have done. These guys actually try to figure stuff out this time around, and even feel a sense of conscience. (Granted, they meet their doom shortly after that, maybe.) The cast is pretty good here. They’re mostly made up of young folk, such as Miles Fisher as Peter, Nicholas D’Agosto as Sam and the lovely Emma Bell as Molly. But there’s a few pros thrown in for good measure too. Tony Todd, the man who handled Candyman so well so long ago, continues to be a great presence in horror films. We wonder why he doesn’t pop up more often. And David Koechner, normally game for comic roles in Anchorman and The Office, fits in perfectly as the older guy who, one way or another, has to deal with Death’s devastating hand. (The first time is pretty nasty on the bridge, but the second? Ouch.)
All in all, Final Destination 5 is a great “full circle” kind of film, and the best of its kind since the original fateful trip down Death’s lane in the original. But that said, the folks at Warner Bros./New Line really need to close this one out now. As grateful as we are for saying some creative deaths over the years, it’s really starting to run dry, and the last thing those folks should do with this franchise is run it as dry as, say, Friday the 13th or Saw. It’s time to close the book and say, “You know what? No more premonitions. Let Death take its course.” Because, really, it’s gone far enough. But don’t let that stop you from seeing the film. It’s a blast in 3-D, and even in 2-D it’s got its rewarding moments…and it’ll make you think twice about stepping into an acupuncturist or laser eye surgery. Or on a bridge, for that matter. It’s got more guts – literally – than most horror flicks, and it’s a nice way to close out the summer.
