The year 2014 has been called, “The Year of the Bible Film" and while there have been numerous “biblical” titles released, I would propose that 2014 is really the year of the Independent Christian film. Films like, God’s Not Dead, Mom’s Night Out, Alone Yet Not Alone, When The Game Stands Tall, and more have come to the big screen, collectively grossing well over 100 million dollars. Now towards the end of the year comes the much anticipated, Left Behind. From the producers of the original film with Kirk Cameron, (one of the first independent Christian films to come to theaters), comes a remake with a lot of factors in its favor. First, it’s directed by Vic Armstrong. You may not know his name, but he’s known as Hollywood’s most prolific stunt coordinator, with such credits as Indiana Jones, Thor, Superman, and The Amazing Spiderman. Second, the film has major talent from Academy Award winner, Nicolas Cage, One Tree Hill’s, Chad Michael Murray, and Jordin Sparks, winner of American Idol. Bring in to the mix the largest, (but still minuscule by Hollywood standards), budget ever for an Independent Christian film, and you seemingly have a recipe for an awesome film. But is Left Behind really that good of a movie? I’ll try to break down the various aspects of the film in this review.
- THE STORY
Those familiar with the book, Left Behind, will find that the new film is a tad different. The rundown is as follows:
Airline Captain, Rayford Steele (Cage), is flying his jumbo jet across the Atlantic ocean when suddenly the Rapture occurs. Panic breaks out and Rayford must calm his passengers, and land his damaged plane safely. His daughter Chloe, (played by Cassi Thompson), is on the ground and sees the destruction the Rapture causes first hand; she struggles to find out what happened and why her mother and brother disappeared.
The story is much simpler than the original film on purpose. Producer Paul Lalonde has stated that he wanted to devote an entire film to the rapture to convey the event accurately. As a story, it’s okay; but unfortunately the simplicity of plot causes the film to drag quite a bit. Devoting an entire film to the Rapture sounded good, but an event that happens in the twinkling of an eye has a hard time filling an hour and a half. So I’ll give the story, a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
2. THE MESSAGE
I have heard many comments from people saying that there was no message and no clear explanation of what happened. Let me put those rumors to rest. By the end of the film it is crystal clear what happened, who caused it, and where the missing people are. It is said during the film that you must believe God to go to Heaven, but no conversions actually take place. It feels like the character’s various stories went unresolved, as far as salvation goes, to set us up for a sequel. The message gets, a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
3. THE ACTING
I expected my favorite character to be Nic Cage, however, his role was pretty much confined to the captain’s chair. Although I did love watching him forcefully tell a passenger to take his seat! I enjoyed Chad Michael Murray’s interpretation of Buck Williams, and while I wouldn’t call it spectacular, I did like him better than Kirk Cameron in this role. Cassi Thompson did an excellent job with her role as Chloe, in my opinion the film was really about her. But my favorite character in this film was definitely the character of Melvin Weir, played by Martin Klebba. His role was so funny I was laughing out loud in some parts! Overall I’d give the acting 3.5 out of 5 stars.
4. THE TECHNICAL ASPECT
The camera work in the film ranges from good to excellent, but leans about 95% percent to the side of excellent. Some of the shots are absolutely fantastic for an independent film. However, the real test of this kind of film is the visual effects. To do an action packed end times film it’s only fitting that you have some good visual effects. The “VFX” in Left Behind range from bad to good, never very bad, but never very good either. There are some legitimately cool action moments though! The third act of the film called for some heavy duty VFX, however, it felt like they needed about $10 million more to finish them. It’s not terrible, but at best I’d say it’s passable. So I’m going to have to give Technical, a 3.5 out of 5 as well.
In summary, Left Behind under delivered for me. The quirky supporting characters and comedy, while funny, carried on way too long after the Rapture making Left Behind feel a little like a parody of the original rather than a better version. But it’s still an exciting ride and is at least worth seeing once, and for some, more than once. I believe the producers to be well-meaning men of God and I personally hope Left Behind does well in theaters so they can give us a more deserving sequel. In short, Left Behind is an ambitious film that stumbles often, but only because it reaches so high.
Final consensus, 3 out of 5 stars
(If they would have made an end credits scene introducing Nicolae Carpathia, I would have given it 3.5 stars!)
Guest Post by: Josh Allen
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