The Final Destination, written by Eric Bress and directed by David R. Ellis is a simple, undemanding installment to a series that has unarguably run out of ideas it seems. Ellis returns to the series after directing the second installment that actually still had some life in it, even if the same ideas were implemented. The film follows Nick O’ Bannon (Bobby Campo) and his friends who survive a race track disaster after the premonitions that Nick receives whilst watching the race. The unhopeful group spend the remainder of the film discovering that death cannot be cheated because it will eventually catch up with its victims. This is the same concept that has linked the entire series thus far, making this film tasteless from the start.
Whilst the 3-D elements are implemented to good use, especially during the race-track scenes, the visual iconography of the film is hampered by a shallow and predictable plot that is worthless. Ellis’ choice of shots are also predictable, especially when George Lanter (Mykelti Williamson) is struck by the ambulance. The wide shot used before he was stuck, immediately gave way to his death which was unimaginative and tedious. Certain shots used by Ellis expressed nothing but predictability which does not add any authenticity points to the films credibility. Additionally, the acting from all parties was rather bland and unexciting, even if the film was broken up by fragments of comedy which did help to release some of the long-windedness from the films plot.
The Final Destination is a suitable addition to the series, but it seems as though this sequel was unnecessary and unconvincing. It did not wrap up any lose ends of the series, only expanded on the deaths and gore that the audience has seen in three films before the birth of this. It felt as though writer Eric Bress was struggling for imagination in creating the death scenes, which on the whole were fairly feeble. The exaggerated amount of gore from all the deaths did not add any excitement to them, it just made them more ridiculous and nonsensical than we have seen previously. Overall, the film is predictable and unimaginative, but it fits in well with the series premise, and for that reason shall not be dismissed.
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