This is the best of the "Final Destination" films and I say that without hesitation. It's cheesy, the acting is bad, the characters are cut outs, and it's balls out fun from beginning to end.

The negatives I just pointed out don't matter. Why? Because this film doesn't once take itself seriously. If you expected otherwise, don't even waste your time. If all you wanna see is people die in hilariously complex and disgusting "accidents", boy are you in for a treat.

You get decapitations, impalement's, exploding bodies, and one guy has his guts sucked out of his ass! I've never laughed so hard. Hahahahaha.

The film is short(barely 80 minutes), but that's fine with me. Quick in and out of the movies and it'll put a big shit eating grin on your face. See it. Now!

9/10

~Zack~

Zack, I have to disagree, ha ha sorry. This is probably my least favourite of the entire Final Destination series, and that disappoints me a lot.

I think the only part I really, really liked about this movie was the opening credits. That was awesome how they paid homage to the last 3 films and I think that's the coolest opening I've ever seen in a movie.

But the rest was just...Not really too special. The story was extremely rushed, death after death. I like that, though, don't get me wrong, but even the deaths were rushed! The last three were really well done with building suspense before the deaths, but these ones just happened and that's it. There weren't any close calls or anything (except the barber shop part)...Hell, there weren't any deaths that made me cringe in any way. The escalator part is probably the only one that made my skin crawl, but that's it.

Speaking of deaths, this was the film with the calmest deaths in the entire series. The deaths in the first three films made me cringe and go "ooooh!" in a happily disgusted tone, but here, a death happened, and that was that. Nothing. I wasn't surprised or anything.

The characters were waaaayyy too undeveloped to the point where I forgot half of them even existed. Mainly everyone up to Hunt's demise (including Cowboy). I don't even know their names. I wish there was more development with the characters, and at least one grief scene when one of their friends dies. Even the third one had more character development than this one.

The filming was just not that great either. I don't really talk about it, but this one was filmed like a teenage drama straight-to-television TV show. Plus, the angles of the deaths were just not good...I didn't really like it at all. But, they were going for the shock factor with the 3-D stuff, so the angles had to be that way.

This movie was more funny than serious, though, and I didn't have a problem with that. But some times it was hilarious when it was trying to be serious. I seriously thought this was a spoof when Lori's shoelace got caught in the escalator. That was priceless. It reminded me of something they'd do in a Scary Movie movie. Plus, I loved the parts where blood would come out of the characters' mouths when it really shouldn't have (mainly Lori's...I tried not laughing at that part).

But, it was a good attempt. It felt unfinished and rushed, as if they wrote the script two days before filming. I was hoping for more story, and I was impressed by a small twist they added in there (Cowboy), but even THAT was short-lived. It didn't seem in the right place with the rest of the Final Destination movies, as if they toned it down A LOT. It was like a Disney version (they didn't even have a reasonable amount of cussing. Only, like, 5 words).

It may sound like I hated it and never want to see it again, but, of course, I have to complete my Final Destination series so I will be getting this on DVD. I'll give it a second chance and see if I like it next time...But, I have a strong feeling this may be THE Final Destination.


Sean

I was disappointed. There were fun elements, sure, but overall it was the weakest and I too was surprised that it actually had LESS character development than part 3. I didn't think that was possible. I watched part 3 when I returned from the cinema and saw it in a whole new light; it's a much more accomplished film than this latest entry!

I expected more from Ellis after the great job he did with part 2. I expected more story. The second one actually had some major plot points and expanded on the concept. The third did nothing new. I hoped this entry would rectify that but unfortunately not. The second also had some nicely established characters who we felt some sympathy for, like in the original, whereas even the leads were completely unlikeable and moronic in this one. The opening disaster built no suspense and none of its deaths and destruction were shocking because it was all far too cartoonish and over the top (a woman gets squished by a car engine - more comical than anything). It didn't play on a common fear either, so it did nothing for me. I couldn't relate having never been to a drag race. I actually told my friend about your bridge idea Sean, we both agreed it would've made for a much better disaster!
Some of the deaths were pretty genius but again most failed to build suspense and they often came off goofy. I think the stone death was the only one that really worked; simple but effective, not too much gore, and the screaming bystanders added something to it. The only scenes that developed any suspense were fake outs; one of which was ruined by the trailer which showed how the character ACTUALLY meets their demise, so you knew nothing would happen. The film was too short and had on odd pace to it (it lacked the urgency of the earlier entries), the dialogue was incredibly lame for the most part so the characters and their conversations were just cheesy and cringe-inducing (the 'we're gonna do lots of traveling' scene literally made me want to throw up, and I was embarrassed that I'd dragged my sister along to see it, what must she have thought of my taste in films!). Sounds like a lot of complaining for a film you EXPECT to have many shortfalls, but for those of you that aren't avid viewers of the franchise, TRUST ME, they normally do a much better job than this. It was seriously below par.

I will give it credit for a couple of things - some of the 3D was very impressive. As proven by MY BLOODY VALENTINE, it only really works when adding depth of field or when things FLY at the audience. When they try gags like the piece of wood impaling the guy's head and exiting through his mouth AT the audience, those don't work. Even at the front of the theatre, they stop short and have no effect, which ultimately makes them look cheesy. And unlike MBV which at least attempted to build some tension, this film wasn't concerned with the depth of field 3D provides and how scenes can be enhanced by immersing the audience in the set (see the grocery store scene from MBV has a good example, with all the long isles etc). But cars, stones, pieces of metal etc flying at the camera DO work to great brilliantly. I closed my eyes a few times lol.
I also thought the mall climax was brilliant - it was a great setting for a disaster and the way they worked 3D into the narrative was really clever - I could imagine SCREAM doing something similar had it been shot in 3D lol.

I enjoyed it for what it was, but considering the care that has been taken over this franchise over the previous entries, I felt a little bit insulted by it. I was almost felt ashamed for having been so excited to see it... definitely the weakest entry, if it hadn't been for the 3D it would've just been nothing really. From the title it does sound like they've made the decision to end the franchise here, but I'm not sure they'd even have the option to continue now thanks to this drop in quality. This one will rake the money in thanks to the 3D gimmick, but I think the series has been run into the ground. I can imagine far less people seeing a fifth after they've experienced THE FINAL DESTINATION in all its cheesy glory...

OK, so, as someone who thought the first three films were genuinely suspenseful and eerie, I gotta say this new movie is the funniest thing I've seen all year, hands down, and that includes The Hangover. This may be the only installment of the franchise that would do well in the comedy section.

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

Some things that made me laugh:

1) The CG effects. Everything was ridiculously cartoonish. Instead of being immersed in a world with danger and death lurking around every corner, I felt like I had dropped into a 3D version of Acme Acres. I honestly expected Porky the Pig to pop out of the screen after that MILF got squashed by the car engine. The only thing missing was the WHAA WHAA WHAAAAAA noise.

2) The scene near the end with the main characters talking about going to the movies. He doesn't want to go because it sounds like a chick flick, so she tries to butter him up by telling him it's in 3D. WHAT!? THEY'RE MAKING CHICK FLICKS IN 3D!!??

3) The scene with the mechanic standing outside the fence. That had to be the most telegraphed death scene in the history of the genre...and why? BECAUSE THE FENCE WAS MODELED AFTER A FRIGGON CHEESE GRATER! Who the hell designed that thing!? You could slip in a puddle and catch yourself on that fence and need medical attention!

4) Nick Zano versus Fatty McSquirt Gun. Enough said.

5) The scene where the girl is trapped inside the car wash tunnel. The car stops on the conveyer belt or whatever, and she's understandably stuck in her vehicle. So with pressured water, spinning foam pads, and dangerous equipment surrounding the vehicle, what does she do? SHE TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR! Seriously. How did that dunderhead make it eighteen years on this planet!?

6) Bobby Campo screaming "LOOK OUT!!!!!!!" It's in the trailer. Go watch it. I crack up every time.

There were a few genuinely solid moments. The car wash scene, overall, was pretty suspenseful. The death by ass-suction gets my vote as the best kill. And even though the title card for the movie came out of nowhere, the opening credits were the best part, and made me want to watch the first three films even more.

Oh, and on a side note, I really missed Shirley Walker's score. RIP.

I loved the cheese grate fence death scene. It was so... CHEESY! Hahahaha. I also really enjoyed the Racists's death scene( the tow truck scene). I guess I was the only one who expected a cheesy, cartoony mess. Oh well. Once again I prove that I have some of the worst taste in movies around. Haha.

~Zack~

The acting was bad. Deaths happened spontaneously and the ending just was like: BOOM that's it.

The graphics were cool and the opening credits were. Some of the deaths were creative, and I did say it didn't look too good...but I gotta admit, this thing was FUN. It really felt more like a Action/thriller than horror. It was funny in parts and as a result of some bad acting, that gave me some laughs. Really cheesy, but fun. One thing that annoyed me was you thought something was happening right then, right there, but (Minor spoiler) turns out Nick (was his name right?) was having a premonition.

It was intense at moments. I noticed some painfully bad dialogue, and it's way too unbelievable and rather dumb. So, on one hand I really didn't like it but one another I loved it. So, better than I expected except for that awful ending.

So yeah I guess I liked it. Course I just saw it so that might be the "Post Screening Rush" talking.  

Quoted from Zack I loved the cheese grate fence death scene. It was so... CHEESY! Hahahaha.

I mean, really, look at this fence!



If the inventor of the cookie cutter ever had a problem with trespassers and needed some security, THIS IS THE FENCE HE WOULD PUT UP. I have scissors from the Dollar Tree with less edge to them!

Quoted from Sham 5) The scene where the girl is trapped inside the car wash tunnel. The car stops on the conveyer belt or whatever, and she's understandably stuck in her vehicle. So with pressured water, spinning foam pads, and dangerous equipment surrounding the vehicle, what does she do? SHE TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR! Seriously. How did that dunderhead make it eighteen years on this planet!?

Um... If you're asking this question, I have to wonder how many horror flicks you've seen.  This sort of crap ALWAYS goes on in horror movies. As I'm watching them, I say to the screen, "Why are you doing that? That doesn't even make sense. Why would anyone do that?" Said action always leads to their demise or a prescribed plot point. Said plot point or demise would never have happened if character had not performed non-sensical action.

Hence, I make it a point in my own writing to ensure that every character can answer the question, "Why are you doing that?" at all times. And the answer has to be a good one too. Sorry, the first grade "I dunno" and especially "I got scared / freaked out" doesn't cut it when you've off hand decided that the middle of the road is the best place to run while escaping a large truck chasing you, when the sides of the road are thick with trees that are impassable by any vehicle (I'm looking at you, Rest Stop 2).

Quoted from George Willson Um... If you're asking this question, I have to wonder how many horror flicks you've seen.  This sort of crap ALWAYS goes on in horror movies. As I'm watching them, I say to the screen, "Why are you doing that? That doesn't even make sense. Why would anyone do that?" Said action always leads to their demise or a prescribed plot point. Said plot point or demise would never have happened if character had not performed non-sensical action.

Oh, trust me, I've been watching these movies since I was seven and I've seen my fair share of stupid characters doing stupid things.

See, I would've had absolutely no problem if the girl did something idiotic (like opening the door during the car wash) and dying a horrible death...but that doesn't happen! She gets saved! The dumbass actually lives! I just couldn't believe it!

I thought the whole point of characters doing stupid things like that is so the writers have an excuse to be creative with their deaths. What's the point if the entire sequence is expendable?

Quoted from George Willson Hence, I make it a point in my own writing to ensure that every character can answer the question, "Why are you doing that?" at all times. And the answer has to be a good one too.

Well, good on you because someone needs to be doing that.

Quoted from Sham I thought the whole point of characters doing stupid things like that is so the writers have an excuse to be creative with their deaths. What's the point if the entire sequence is expendable?

Actually, characters doing stupid things is a copout to the creative death. What would be nice is if there was a good reason for her to get out of the car. I haven't seen the movie, but off the top of my head, I think I'd probably risk the car wash if water started flowing into the electronics, they started shorting everything out, and set the seats on fire. So, now instead of just getting out of the car, she'd be, like, "crap, do I risk burning to death in the car or deal with the machinery and high pressure water outside the car?"

Wouldn't that have been at least a little more interesting?

I am a HUGE fan of the FD movies, but this one was a steaming pile. Total garbage.

Saw this Saturday, finally.  Loved the first 2, and thought the 3rd was the weakest, but still entertaining.

As a movie, or a script, this does really suck.  But as visual entertainment, it's great!  The deaths, special effects, and 3D effects were all top notch.  I said "wow" out loud many times.  My girlfriend even liked it, which is rare, as she's not a horror fan.

But maybe that's why she actually liked it...it's not horror.  It's probably more comedy than horror. Although the deaths are all very gruesome, they're done in a way that isn't scary at all.  Thye're not horrific at all.  They invoke smiles, laughs, but no fear or bad thoughts.

Most of the deaths are so telegrpahed, that's it's really all about just watching and seeing what goes into each kill, and how it will finally play out.  Most of the deaths are given away in the trailer, which really take away all the suspense and intrigue.  No big shocks or surprises here.

OK, back to the movie itself.  It was really, really bad.  Characters were horrid, unrealistic, generic, actually, pretty unlikebale even.  Story was nonexistant, but at part 4 in a franchise that is really only about coming up with cool, inventive, crazy deaths, what should we expect?  Biggest issue for me was the ending.  It was terrible, and felt like they had run out of ideas and spent their budget already.  It only clocks in at around 80 something minutes, so I just may well be right.

So, I'm glad I saw it at the theater in 3D, and I was entertained visually.  When people weren''t being killed, I was not only bored, I was rolling my eyes, again and again.

Time for this franchise to take a little nap.

I finally watched it now that it's on video. You know me. That's when I watch movies.

Honestly, I don't know what it is, but I just get a kick out of these movies. The shortcomings don't really matter to me as I just enjoy the ride. I thought this one did add a little bit of an interesting element to the series as the guy with the original vision got premonitory visions of the following deaths, but only bits and pieces. You never really saw HOW the next person was going to die, so you were left seeing how the pieces would play out. And obviously, they wanted to throw in another disaster there at the end which is why they had the whole mall thing.

Where this one lacked the most in my opinion was the creativity of several of the death sequences. The most appealing part of these movies is the "accidental" nature of how the people die. You could tell that they actually put the most work into the mall bit at the end since that one felt the most coincidental, but some of the others lacked greatly in the believability of it being "just an accident." I mean, an ambulance splattering a guy in a hospital parking lot? Yeah, that close to the entrance, you're still in the parking lot. I had trouble buying it.

The ridiculous beauty shop scene...that went no where? I mean, why? The gold in that scene was the end of it which was setup just fine.

It's one thing to show how dangerous the world is but blowing a bunch of time for the sake of blowing time is just silly. Ok, so they had time to blow, but still...

Ok, so there were no characters at all in this one. Even the lead had no past and no future. We knew absolutely nothing about these people, which is where the time is normally filled. If there was character development, the film would have been easily twenty minutes longer. The plot was ok. It was mostly driven by the guy's visions, which made sense.

Sp granted, it had issues, but it remains a guilty pleasure.