Ok, I can breathe again now.........

Rating: Null/10 (9 November 2000)

What a film! I'll grant that the acting was mediocre and the plot questionable at times, but this film had an enormous impact. I was reminded of the Greek tragedies and their inexorable element of Fate. As Oedipus was fated to do the unthinkable, these young students were fated to die in a plane crash. But Fate did not account for the psychic impulses of Alex, nor their effect on Clear or his compatriots.
I absolutely loved all of the conceptual elements of foreshadowing; the word "Terminal" flipping, the words "Final Destination" on the tag, the announcement of the "Departure." Even moments in the dialogue which mentioned having the rest of one's life ahead of them simply pointed the finger towards an unfortunate end. Notice the subject of Clear's book at the airport, with its photos of Diana in the car crash...or Miss L's record...or all of the instances where Alex feels the presence of death. This film is incredible when it comes to suspense. I was literally holding my breath as I watched. It took me a good half hour to calm down afterward. And sleep? Ha. I couldn't fall asleep for hours. Yet despite the film's masterful concept of Fate, we also see the determination of the human spirit to survive, as well as courage, devotion and the notion of self-sacrifice. The film's only setbacks are the moments of stupidity by the main characters. (e.g., Would you ever put a beverage on a computer monitor? Hello?) Otherwise, this film was incredibly powerful and causes the viewer to contemplate its ideas for hours afterward. Also, consider the fact that there is an alternate ending on the DVD version and see which one you prefer.......:)