Final Destination 5 (2011)

Director: Steven Quale

Starring: Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell, Arlen Escarpeta

Survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse learn there’s no way you can cheat Death.

We simply can’t get enough of these Final Destination slasher movies, can we? With a new director on board, the franchise gets a look that makes it feel fresh.

With the fifth movie in the series, we are only too familiar with the premise. It follows the same pattern as its predecessors, but somehow this film almost feels original. In this installment, disaster strikes on a huge bridge. The FANTASTIC bridge collapse scene is the best disaster scene yet in the series. The action is relentless, fast-paced and frightening.

‘Final Destination 5’ has a lot more substance than FD2, 3 & 4. The acting is also much better. The script is much better. The make-up effects are bloody marvelous!! Some of the death scenes are so graphic, they are cringe worthy, to say the least! I guarantee some scenes will have you cover your face with your hands, watching it through parting fingers. Yes, it is actually that gross. Having said that, this nevertheless remains a very classy slasher horror film. FD5 certainly exceeded all my expectations.

This installment is also the most suspenseful in the serious – yes, actually more suspenseful than the original. Death itself is in many instances portrayed as a presence, almost ghostly. The final act is a nail-biting thrill ride with an unexpected turn of events. I’ll say it again: the acting is the best we’ve seen since FD1. Wow, this was actually really good, with a clever script.

Probably another reason why the film feels so fresh, is due to the fact that this actually serves as a prequel, and in the process closes the circle – or does it? (Through fantastic editing, the end credits pays homage to all previous films.)

‘Final Destination 5’ is by far the highest rated entry in the series. It was a box office success, earning nearly $158 million on a $40 million budget. It deservedly won the Best Make Up award, and received nominations for Best Film and Best Director.

PS: I believe ‘Final Destination 6’ is coming…

Would I watch it again? Yes.