Final Destination (2000)

Jeffrey Reddick wrote a spec script for an episode of “The X-Files” titled, “Flight 180.” The premise is about Scully’s young brother, Charles, experiences a vision of a plane crashing. Which prompts Mulder & Scully to investigate Charles predicament. Jeffrey decided to expand and change the script into an original story retitled as “Final Destination.”

Released in 2000, (same year American Psycho came out) it received negative reviews from critics and made enough revenue at the box office. Final Destination spawned a franchise consisting four sequels and comics. A sixth installment known as “Final Destination 6: Bloodlines” is in development with Tony Todd as the only cast member of the series coming back. Devon Sawa will play a different character in Chucky’s third season. He played twins in Season 1 and a priest in Season 2. Chucky’s third season will premiere on October 4, 2023 simultaneously on USA & SYFY.

Before I watch Chucky’s third season, I wanna share my thoughts on Final Destination. By the way, I’m also reviewing several Horror movies during Halloween Month. Don’t be shy to send a request. I’ll respond back.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see the first movie.

Alive & Dead Aspects

Alive: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, (Niki Sanders from Heroes) Seann William Scott & Amanda Detmer (Monty from Big Fat Liar) all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.

James Hong did a good job directing. I think this is his best movie. “Dragon Ball Evolution” however, is his absolute worst.

Death Scenes are very brutal. The Grim Reaper uses to be hardcore prior to becoming friends with Billy & Mandy. Every time somebody mentions Grim, I picture him speaking with a Jamaican accent.

Scare Factor doesn’t heavily rely on Jump Scare. It usually centers on paranoia.

Chemistry between Alex and his friends serve as the main highlight. They must work together if they want to cheat Grim’s hit list.

Shirley Walker (Batman: The Animated Series, Bruce Timm’s Superman, Spawn on HBO) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Tony Todd (Candyman) makes a brief appearance.

Billy’s last name is Hitchcock. A reference to the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” often plays whenever something bad’s about to happen. The late singer died from a plane crash.

Somebody says he’s forced to watch “Stuart Little.” M. Night Shyamalan wrote the script for the aforementioned movie. “Unbreakable” also came out in 2000.

At first, Alex and friends were going to board a plane to Paris. Speaking of which, “Rugrats in Paris” also came out in 2000. What a co-inky-dink.

One character dies from an oncoming bus. I call it “The Magic School Bus” whenever somebody gets hit by a bus. It was later referenced in “Mean Girls” & “Scary Movie 4.”

A train heading straight towards a car nearly kills Alex and his friends. Trains were a trend back in 2000.

• Unbreakable
• Little Nicky
• Thomas and the Magic Railroad
• X-Men
• O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Dead: The Last Scene abruptly ends. There’s no resolution.

The Final Verdict: A-

Final Destination is the best installment of the series. What the heck’s wrong with critics like Roger Ebert who hates it? Seriously? I thought it was awesome. If you’re new to the Final Destination series, ignore the critics and give the first one a try.