Running Time: 110 Minutes
Certification: 15
Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Rya Kihlstedt, Anna Lore, Gabrielle Rose, Brec Bassinger, Tony Todd
It has been 25 years since the release of Final Destination, the film which began as an episode script for The X-Files before transforming into a successful series that left millennials rightly fearful of logging trucks. The series appeared to be no more as it wrapped up in a very satisfying place, yet that all changes with Final Destination Bloodlines arriving fourteen years later in welcoming fashion.
Taking over the directorial reins are Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, a pair whose clear love for the series was evident in their much-reported pitch meeting. That passion is reflected in how the film honours what came before it while still carving its own identity, something that is notable right from the beginning. Just like the previous instalments, the story begins with a disaster glimpsed through a premonition, with this one set atop a tall tower with a sky view restaurant and a glass floor.
Central to this ticking timebomb is Iris (Brec Bassinger), who gets bad feelings throughout which leaves her worried for what will come. Once the chain reaction begins, the ensuing catastrophe unfolds in ways that are grisly and entertaining. Be ready to cheer for comeuppance via falling piano. The witnessed massacre plays out as expected, but there are surprises for this 1960s set opening as the premonition is seen in the present day.
College student Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) has been plagued by this vision for two months, leaving her sleep deprived and with failing grades. To hopefully resolve this strange vision, Stefani returns home to reconnect with her family, and see if her dreams have anything to do with the grandmother that she never met. The opening sequence's ramifications soon becomes clear, as the family tree are at risk from the presence of Death.
Across the series, many of the survivors have been strangers thrust together by Death's seemingly inescapable grasp. This new entry has an interesting idea by having an entire family be at risk, allowing the characters to grapple with simmering resentments as they work together to try finding a resolution. The relationships shine courtesy of the effective performances, and brings some truly fun moments into this regularly funny tale. A special mention is also deserved for the soundtrack of death-appropriate songs.
But, let's be honest, the kills are a large reason to watch the Final Destination films. It is not enough to see the outcomes, as the experience involves feeling the dominos being set up, so that when Death starts knocking them over, the result is satisfyingly gruesome. This new film absolutely delivers in this regard, excellently realizing the sequences while bringing genuine surprises. Admittedly, there are moments where the CG effects are distractingly noticeable, leaving one to feel taken out of the moment. Yet, viewers will be left with massive smiles on their faces as, unlike so many characters, the sense of fun is thankfully not killed.
The film also contains a posthumous appearance from Tony Todd, in a scene which magnificently honours the horror icon. It is a genuinely emotional moment that wonderfully bids farewell to this series stalwart within this triumphant feature.. A welcome return to a brilliant franchise, Final Destination Bloodlines is a killer watch.
Final Destination Bloodlines is available in cinemas now
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