a good surprise

Rating: Null/10 (30 December 2000)

I rented Final Destination because I had read a couple good reviews when it came out; however, I didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised. The film actually had a plot and a scary one at that. Alex is a typical high school senior going on a class trip to Paris, when he dozes off and dreams of the plane's explosion. He freaks out and he and five other passengers are kicked off the plane, only to soon watch it explode. From then on the movie is suspenseful and eerie. I enjoyed it because of the atmosphere and its unpretentious stance, not trying to be too deep, but still conveying a sense of constant foreboding and a little insight on the nature of death etc. It lacked the excessive gore and maniacal villians usually present in teen horror films. Devon Sawa was convincing as Alex, looking effectively frightened and desperate. Ali Larter (I think that's her name) is bland as the semi-believer, neglected daughter, slash love interest. The guy from Dawson's Creek is cast as the typical jock and is really bad. He's cocky, stupid, mean, and has some unexplainable hatred towards Alex. Despite these faults, Final Destination is creepy, creative, and suspenseful. I highly recommend this horror film for a good scare and its intelligent plot.