Did anyone see the trailer for this film on television? I did, and as much as I may hate to admit it, that is why I went to see the Final Destination at the cinema.

The lead character in the film (please don’t expect me to remember the names) has the unusual knack of seeing things before they happen. Quite a party trick if you can manage it. But instead of seeing literally into the future, this boy (teenager) sees visions of death before they happen. The story begins as he sees the explosion of the plane he and his school friends have boarded moments before take off, and inadvertently causes a small group of them to leave with him in his panic. After that, the boy comes the conclusion that death has a ‘pattern’, and that because he and his friends had avoided death, they will all die regardless in some way. He and his friends set about trying to cheat death, and the bulk of the story follows the set-pieces that show how they fail to avoid death, right until the end (?)

There we go, hope that wasn’t too boring.

Now many people I’ve heard talk about this movie claim it has ‘an intelligent plot’. While I accept that the notions put forward in the film about death and it’s ‘design’ or ‘pattern’ are at least different, I can’t help feeling the distinct lack of logic that exists in favour of imagination in this film prevents it from being ‘intelligent’. Perhaps I’m just too fussy, and I know things in films are to be taken with a pinch of salt, I would not sit watching a sci-fi movie pointing out every un-realistic moment. Then again, sci-fi moves don’t generally take themselves quite so seriously as FD. Watching the film, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the writer had, somewhere along the line, forgotten what exactly it is he is saying about death. The theory is contradicted and the boundaries are tested so much it’s almost ridiculous. There was just no logic in the plot at all. Why would death take such long and complicated routes in killing them all? (I know it is to make better cinema, but surely the writer could have justified it in some better way), it would seem more logical to have someone killed in an straight forward accident then an elaborate set-piece. Like I say, I know it is all just for good viewing, but when a writer approaches a subject as serious as death, specially when putting forward such a extravagant theory, surely some kind of consistency is required. A note of irony or sarcasm was perhaps needed to balance how over the top the film was becoming, but that was lacking and so FD seemed to take it’s self a tad too seriously. The over-all impression of the storyline? It seemed a mere basis for a series of set-pieces rather then a real plot, and the fact the plot had so many holes took much away from the film.

Amongst all the special effect however, a film needs good acting to gain full marks in my book. I remember being impressed with the role played by Kerr Smith (of Dawson’s Creek fame). It’s strange seeing him in another part, but I thought he pulled of the ‘bad boy’ role in the group well. He was the ‘attitude’ element of the cast, and I thought he did well and made the best of his part. Other notable performances were from the teacher, whose name I can not recall. Personally, I think this lady had a good script, and while her part was quite short, she gave a good performance. The same goes for most of the cast, although I don’t think the script gave any of them the chance to really make a serious acting impression. The characters, like in so many films these days, were mere extensions for the special effects and eye-pleasing events. Films that contrast this style include my personal favourite Good Will Hunting (check out my review below this one). If you are a person who thrives on a complex plot and a intelligent script, this one is perhaps a little too basic to cater for your tastes. Still, I think the young cast made good work of what they were given.

If you’re a person who hates all teen-horror’s – stay away, it isn’t that different. If you can be easily frustrated by a shabby plot, and seek Oscar winning acting performances, find something else. Don’t come here expecting the scare of your life, but do be prepared to walk out the cinema (dam, it isn’t here anymore!), or perhaps your living room, feeling a little dizzy. You will find yourself going back over some scenes in your mind – if your looking for a forgettable film to fill an hour maybe this isn’t right for you.