Skip to content

Movie Reivew: Final Destination 5

Written By:

Katherine McLaughlin
final_5

The first instalment of Final Destination was released in 2000 with a cast of young hopefuls (including Devon Sawa from Idle Hands, Slackers and that’s about it really) and directed by James Wong, who at that point was a member of the team that brought us The X-Files. It was tongue-in-cheek horror that offered some gruesome and inventive deaths that I am glad to say make a welcome return in the newest instalment of this franchise.  Steven Quale is in the director’s seat and his knowledge and respect for the original film certainly comes across. Tony Todd makes a welcome return in his role as Bludworth who manages to come up with some cool and creepy lines, delivered in his usual deep tone: “I don’t make the rules, I just clean up after the game is finished.”

A group of work colleagues are on their way to a team bonding session when the bridge they are travelling across starts to fall down. This opening major disaster scene is full of suspense and edge of your seat moments and of course some brutal and fun deaths – all introduced by the very apt Dust in the Wind playing on the radio – which adds to the humorous tone. In classic Final Destination style all of this is imagined in a premonition by Sam Lawton (Nicholas D’Agosto from Heroes) and he manages to persuade his colleagues to get off the bus and cheat death. If you are a fan of the franchise, this is one of the best of the lot and you will know what to expect.

Sam is introduced as the sensitive psychic one in the beginning sequence of the film, and all the characters are introduced to some extent before they set out on their perilous journey. Not all the characters are particularly nice people though, David Koechner plays the obnoxious boss with fervour and P.J. Byrne excels at being the worst work colleague you could ever wish for. I don’t want to give too much away but these colleagues pursue some hazardous activities outside of work including gymnastics (ouch!), training to be a chef and going for spas… 

The deaths were inventive, fun and gory and the pacing was quick, with funny little moments that put you off the scent of the intended victims’ real fates. The action is removed from the quiet moments that move the story along and allow for a small amount of character development and pressure cooker tension to build. There are plenty of subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the previous films and the filmmakers have created a 3D montage sequence of some of the best kills from the franchise that takes the viewer on a little nostalgia trip of the last ten years. Overall, a solid horror that delivers on blood splattering, cover your eyes moments, but also brings the franchise to a satisfying conclusion.

Expected rating: 6 out of 10

Actual rating:

Final Destination 5 premieres in the UK at FrightFest on 25th August and is on general release from 26th August.

Katherine McLaughlin

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More