The Final Destination (2009) – Review

30th October 2024

The Final Destination (2009) – Review

The mid-2000’s saw a returning trend in blockbusters: 3D technology. Throughout these years, every big release was accompanied by the 3D/IMAX format; there was no escape from it, good or bad. And, at the tail end of the trend, the fourth instalment of the ‘Final Destination’ franchise reared its deadly head.

‘The Final Destination’ unleashes its premonition and kills in 3D, with the premonition taking place at a racing event.

While there are aspects that are enjoyable and unique to the franchise, the fourth entry is also the weakest one in the franchise.

‘The Final Destination’ has a slightly horrifying premonition scene, this time taking place at a car drag racing event. And, just like the previous entries, the film confidently demonstrates the steps that have to take place for the eventual accident to occur. By now, the films have taken a sense of pride in the mismanagement of the locations that the initial accident are set, and this is no exception. Even down to the pillars holding the roof to the seating area, every unfortunate detail is perfectly showcased so that, when the car crash does occur, everything falls down like a Jenga tower.

It’s a terrifying idea and another interesting way to start the film. However, what happens afterwards is unique to the franchise: main character Nick (Bobby Campo – Scream: The TV Series) is thanked by a couple of survivors of the accident. It’s both sweet and heartbreaking that this is the first time someone has been thanked for saving them in this franchise. It’s a moment I appreciate, even if it would be meaningless later on!

The ‘Final Destination’ franchise has always been known to change its format despite its simple concept, and this film is no exception. When finding a way to change it this time, the film further extends upon Kimberly’s experiences in ‘Final Destination 2’, by giving Nick premonitions for every victim. Like with the third film, the visual hints that are given are mysterious enough to allow theorizing from both the viewers and Nick. And not just theorizing about what the final demise will be, but how it will all happen and to whom it will happen to. It’s an extension that works, as it feels more inspired by a previous entry rather than taking from it.

And previous film entries aren’t the only piece of media that has influenced ‘The Final Destination’. By the time this film was released, the spin off book series was in full swing, so some sequences are reminiscent of a couple of the books. And it’s fun to see the fourth entry utilize the franchise’s other forms of media and blend it into the narrative so well, an example being a particular death scene that involves a hospital bathtub.

However, the biggest aspect that lets the entire film down is the absence of practical effects, to allow for the 3D technology to pop out more. During the big boom of 3D releases, some worked while others didn’t translate well to the big screen at all. When it comes to using this format, it works better when it’s used to create a sense of scale within a scene, instead of creating moments of characters or objects ‘flying’ towards the screen. Creating the latter illusion rarely worked and, unfortunately, this is what ‘The Final Destination’ went with.

A lot of the film’s shots carry this tactic and it’s not only jarring to see in 3D, but it makes the visual effects look extremely cheap when watching in 2D. It’s understandable why the decision was made at the time, but the film overall suffers because of it, especially when it comes to the premonition scene. While it is a terrifying scenario, the visual effects dampen the scare factor as it forces the viewer out of the aimed nightmarish immersion the film tries to create. And this isn’t the only time it occurs; another well known scene involving a swimming pool could’ve been extremely disturbing if the stereotypical 3D shots weren’t involved.

‘The Final Destination’ once again contains some really unique death scenes and a horrifying premonition scene. Plus, it contains some interesting ideas that the franchise hasn’t focused on before, as well as gaining inspiration from its other forms of media. However, it overall suffers from the over usage of 3D technology that was popular at the time, thus forcing the film to swap practical effects for horrendous CGI.

The actors all do well enough for the roles they’re given, but the film chooses to focus more on the deaths and frequent premonitions rather than character development, leaving the characters flat and uninteresting. Another script edit, and a return to practical effects would’ve made this rise up with the rest of the franchise. But, instead, it’s enjoyable but had potential to be better than it is.

Facebook

Google

Twitter

We hope you're enjoying BRWC. You should check us out on our social channels, subscribe to our newsletter, and tell your friends. BRWC is short for battleroyalewithcheese.