I'm not going to lie, I do like some of the teen flicks that come out from time to time. Usually if it's a comedy one like the 'American Pie' trilogy or even the 'Scary Movie' bits. They may not be the greatest films in the world, but I like a film that's going to make me laugh, even if it's a stupid kind of funny. I love to laugh. However, when it comes to other teen films, such as dramatic or horror related, I'm mixed mood on them.

When I first heard about 'Final Destination', I didn't think it would be all that worth seeing. After watching the trailer's and commercials on it, it looked to be promising. I know, there are lots of films that have kick a** trailer's released to grab people's attention, with the only good parts of the film in them, but I had a good feeling this wasn't going to be one of them.

'Final Destination', originally released in 2000, is the story of a teen, Alex played by Devon Sawa of 'Little Giants' and 'Casper' fame, who realizes he sees death before it happens to people. As people close to him lose their lives, the rest of the people in the town begin pointing fingers at him for their the deaths since he can see them dying ahead of time and tries to warn people. He notices a puzzle, 'Death's Design', that tells him or gives him an idea of who is the next to die and figures out ways to cheat death. Along for the ride of death are fellow young actors such as Kerr Smith of 'Dawson's Creek' fame, who plays the jealous football jock in the film. The sort of love interest for Alex is played by Ali Larter, who sees and catches on to what Alex is going through before anyone else. There is even American Pie's own Seann William Scott in the movie, which adds some humor to the flick.

At first I thought 'Final Destination' would be another teen bopper, 'I Know What You Did Summer' kind of movie. So I checked it out. I walked out the movie theater wanting to watch it again. A lot of people in the audience jumped out of their seats and one girl even got up from her seat and just took off out the room, freaked out from a scene that involved a girl suddenly getting hit by a bus that come out from nowhere. This movie kept me on the edge of my seat. There are several laughs and 'jump out of your seat' scenes that will keep you watching.

Devon Sawa does a great job portraying Alex. He helps bring the character to life. I don't think too many other young actors his age could have done a better job. I hope he gets more good roles like this in the future. He captured the character pretty well. Kind of sad they didn't bring him back in the sequel. The other cast members help make it worth watching. It's not like they were picked up from the street. I was happy to see Seann William Scott in the movie, especially with the funny twist that they had with his character. The acting was done nicely by all.

I didn't really hate anything about this film. It's been a while since a film has made me jump and get scared. It was even more fun to watch the audience get so scared and jump too. Since seeing this film in the theaters back in 2000, I've purchased a copy of it on DVD and have watched it quite a few times since getting it. Lately, I have family and friends that tend to want to borrow it from me when I finally get it back from someone else. It's not the best movie in the world, but I still enjoy watching it, especially with friends when there is nothing else going on.

The story, scenes, and filmmaking were done very well. James Wong, the director, tells the story nicely with the scenes put together where they should be. However, the story did have a glitch here and there, but nothing to seriously harm the film itself. The effects came out really good as well, especially during the plane scene at the beginning, with it blowing up and the bus scene. For a director who doesn't have big movies under his belt, unless if you count 'The One' a decent hit which I don't, he does a great job overall with this thriller.

Overall, I really enjoyed 'Final Destination'. It has a very good story to follow along with. There may be some spots that you can figure out, but the filmmakers do a good job at putting the scenes together very well. The actors included went really well with the film and it's characters. It's a great movie to watch with some friends on a weekend night. I was pleased with it. I would recommend to watch it if you haven't done so yet, or if you have already and liked it, scoop it up and get a group together and watch it again. It was one of the most enjoyable films I've seen in 2000. Don't let the teen hype keep you away from watching it if you're that way about it. This flick actually worth seeing compared to other teen movies.

Rated 'R' due to adult language and content
Made through 'New Line Cinema'





Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age