rollercoaster ride

Rating: 10/10 (7 May 2000)

This film is certainly the best teen horror/thriller that we've seen in a few years (since Scream & I Know What You Did...) It starts with a tense, spooky 15 min opening scene, then picks up speed and never stops. Final Destination ups the spook factor and distinguishes itself with its killer, Death. We never see any manifestation of death other than a shadow here, a sudden wind there, which is much more frightening than a psycho killer. The deaths are truly inspired and surprising. The writers take everyday situations and add an inspired macabre twist. The characters are a little stereotypical, but the young actors are better than most. Kerr Smith stands out, taking on a character completely different from Dawson's Creek's Jack, and though I never particularly cared for Devon Sawa before, he carries his lead role here wonderfully. This is the best night at the movies I've had in quite a while, and I was still spooked well after the movie was over.