Reviews (200)

A purposely trashy thriller
While Final Destination 2 follows the plot of it's predecessor, the similarities between the films stops there. The teen-melodrama and too good looking for their own good young stars are replaced (for the most part) with well orchestrated accident scenes and some very nice gore effects. It all starts when Kimberly (A.J. Cook) has a premonition of a huge multi-car pile up and inadvertantly saves herself and a few others. And then one by one, death comes calling with some over the top computer assisted and well orchestrated grisly deaths. Ali Larter reprises her role from the first film as Clear Rivers, and Tony Todd returns in his cameo role as well. Director David Ellis has crafted a purposely cheesy, trashy, and fun horror film that both outshines and pales in comparison to the original; and while it is very graphic and grisly for a mainstream horror film, it is never too mean spirited. The Infinifilm DVD is another fine piece of product from New Line (although I personally like the Platinum Series of DVD's more), and the Bits & Pieces featurette provides enough ample entertainment for horror afficiandos.

Death By Design
The first Final Destination film turned out better than I thought it was going be. After a friend recommended the DVD to me, it ended up being a really good teen horror flick with a twist. The usual carnage, sex, and contrived premise was gone. In its place was a likeable cast, clever set ups, and just the right amount of gore...without someone running around in a mask. That said, my hopes for FD 2 were raised. In the end, the sequel is solid, but it still didn't have quite the same zip of the original.

The sequel picks up a year after the events of FD. Kimberly Corman (A.J. Cook) and her friends head out on a fun road trip. While on the highway, Kim senses that something ominous is about to happen. However, due to a series of strange events, she and a select group of motorists are spared a tragic end in a multi-car accident. Or are they? With help from Clear (Ali Larter, the sole survivor of FD), Thomas Burke (Michael Landes),
and Mr. Bludworth (Tony Todd), Kim tries to beat death itself and change its sinister plans.

Directed by David R. Ellis, FD 2, has more clever ways for folks to meet their end. As with most horror sequels, the gross out factor is turned up a few notches here, and while I enjoyed the arc for Larter's character, with the gimmick exposed, the premise isn't as "new" The script by a whole new writing team, has its ups and downs, but basicly follows the outline of the original. Some characters are 3 demensional, while others are not. I know it's not shakespeare. But the chemistry of script and casting is important for this film sequel, with only 2 actors from the first flick present, its even more important.

As part of New Line's Infinifilm DVD product line, FD 2 is packed with some good bonus material, that compensates some of film's troubles. The extras can be accessed the usual way-or in the Infinifilm mode while you watch the film-in bits and pieces. The filmmakers, Ellis, producer Craig Perry, and writers Eric Bress, and J. Mackye Gruber is ok. The deleted/alternate scenes are meaty, but don't really add much to the final version. They can be watched with or wthout commentary. The documentary Bringing Death To Life, takes a look at the film's stunts, special effects, and make-up secrets. Trailers, music videos, and screen tests are here as well. Going beyond the film is a fact track and 2 featurettes. The Terror Gauge looks at how the mind and body react to watching a horror film; Cheating Death-Beyond And Back examines the near death phenomenom (That's really great). Rounding out the extras is some DVD-ROM content: script-to-screen, games, wallpapers, and links to internet websites. Viewers can watch the film in either, the widescreen, or fullscreen format

Despite my issues with the film, FD 2 is solid enough, along with some fine extras, to recommend on disc. But don't forget the original is out there as well. *** and half stars

Not your standard teen slasher
From an orchestrated car pile-up that puts just about any action movies of the last 4 years to shame to an increasingly creative and surprising casualty list, Final Destination 2 just plain outdistances the genre's competiton.

FD2 is not blessed with a decent plot that does not see our clavacade of victims simply run upstairs to be slaughtered by axe or chainsaw. Instead, viewers will find themselves gasping at the different, and in some cases, highly unorthodox manner death is visited upon the characters.

Although it's never going to be a film classic, FD2 has carved out a niche as a very creative, well above-par horror/suspense movie that plays by no rules but it's own. 5 stars for being just what it is--a scary movie.

Whata Ride!!!
This was an absolutley original and breathtaking horror/sci-fi film to watch. It featured some of the best visual and special effects as well as some amazing choreographed stunts. In my view this was a great movie due to its overwhelming originally and script. The horrific opening pileup sequence is so well shot and will leave you with your pulse racing and your mouth on the floor, literally. The movie, although not nearly as dark and sinister as the first film goes much more deeper and more detailed on all of its elaborate death scenes. The originally factor is shown by three different elements. First and foremost, the fact that the entire movie was filmed w/ out the use of night. It goes to show that you do not need darkness to set the eerie tone of a horror movie. Second, this is the fist teen horror film that doesn't resort to using just teens. In the beginning of the film when we were introduced to the four teens going on a road trip, I was reluctant to want to sit through a complete re-run of the first film. It was nice to have a little mix of the age groups in this film. Thirdly, the movie featured some never before heard of actors, which in this case the script, and horrific death sequences were the real stars. All and all, this was a very unpredicatable and fun film to watch. The DVD features the infinifilm featurette , which contains the making of, and some more interactive menu options, My recomendation, GET IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN BEFORE YOUR TIME RUNS OUT!!!!!

FINAL DESTINATION 2
THIS IS MY 3RD FAV.MOVIE. I LOVED IT.IT WAS MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST AND MUCH MORE ORIGINAL. THE DEATH SCENES R MUCH MORE ELABERITE AND MORE BLOODY. IT ALSO HAS A SINCE OF HUMOR. AND ITS GOT 1 OF THE BEST DVD COVERS I HAVE EVER SEEN. ... Read more

Reviews (89)

A Romantic Surprise
This movie definitely caught me by surprise! At first glance, it seems to be another comedic no-brainer about twenty-somethings doing nothing all day in a coffee shop and complaining about it. Instead, the viewer is kept on her toes with the quickly delivered quotes from classic authors, rock legends, and familiar actors - all concerning love and its mysterious effects and twists. Mackenzie Astin is an immediately likable character and very boy-next-door. He seems an unlikely match for Ione Skye, who is an ironic mix of cynic, romantic, and dreamer. Her occasional original sayings and quips are not only food for thought, but executed perfectly.They are what makes the movie. Somewhat predictable, and most likely a "chick-flick", the movies is still not your typical romantic comedy. It gives the reader something to think about without getting bogged down in needless melodrama or caught up in competing with itself for witty one-liners. Something for the hopeful romantic (and insomniac!) in us all.

Words To Live By
... After seeing it on HBO in 1999, I bought it immediately. The film may not be as realistic as some other[s] had hoped, but why should it be? It's a modern version of an old fashioned love story...something I'd like to see more of. Skye and Astin make a wonderful pair. From the moment Frankie and David's eyes meet, it's instant chemistry. Frankie's philosophy really spoke to me...I have a few of her quotes posted here and there to remind me to "never settle for anything less than what we deserve". I have made "Dream" addicts of my friends and a few co-workers as well... every person that I've introduced this movie to has purchased it. I was thrilled to see it come out on DVD for my VHS copy had become quite worn out!

I think of you night and day¿
"Anything less than extraordinary is a waste of my time." ~Frankie

From the surprising subtle intensity of the black-and-white opening to the casual softness of the ending, this movie is a masterpiece. There is an immediate sense of familiarity and if you love being absorbed into a character's world, Frankie will take you into her mind.

Frankie (Ione Skye) has a longing for the poetic life. While working in a San Francisco café, she bides her time until she can pursue her acting career in Los Angeles. I was amazed at how interesting a movie can be when most of the scenes are filmed in the coffee shop or Frankie's bedroom. The set is beautiful, but the script takes center stage and at times it can be rather mesmerizing.

Frankie's best-friend-acting-pal Jennifer Aniston adds an adorable sensitivity and there is a scene where she is comforting Frankie that adds warmth to their friendship. If you like "Friends," I can almost guarantee you will love the "close circle" in this movie. The character development shows a deep understanding of human interaction and the meeting of the minds is intriguing to say the least. The various elements of the soundtrack, including Frank Sinatra's music could not be more perfect. The music blends scenes perfectly all while creating a subtle intimacy.

Up until the time Frankie and Sir David (Mackenzie Astin) meet, the entire film is without color. I didn't even notice the lack of color at first, but suddenly you see David's blue eyes. This was quite intuitive as when you fall "in love" the entire world seems more colorful and the world literally sparkles with life. They take this element of the blue eyes and weave it through the movie in various ways. This movie has two of the most romantic/caring scenes I've ever seen.

There are quite a few laughs and listening to Ione Skye say just about anything might be audible bliss. That thing she does with her right eyebrow is kinda sexy. She quotes Aristotle, recognizes quotes by Tennyson and can whip out quotes in an enviable fashion. She also loves a challenge.

Once Frankie and David realize they share a love for writing they develop an instant connection and the chemistry is definitely working in this movie. It goes beyond casual infatuation to something akin to a deep mind connection with the added benefit of passion.

I love the physical comedy as much as the surprisingly witty script. When playing Scrabble, Frankie says: "David, you better hide your letters, I tend to glance." Just the way her body moves inspires a sly smile or laugh. When David and Frankie walk on the beach, David says Frankie is living in a dream world and she says: "Don't I wish."

You could lose sleep yourself because you might want to keep watching this movie night after night. I became a bit addicted to the way this movie reveals new elements on each viewing. You might also want to get a few doughnuts and a cup of coffee before you watch this movie. Otherwise, those doughnuts on the counter will make you rather hungry.

After watching this movie, I went out and bought something pink and had my hair dyed darker. Now, if only I had a photographic mind. I collect quotes, but spinning them off the way Frankie does is sheer fantasy.

"Dream for an Insomniac" is steeped in intellectual romance and the dreamy script is at times rather sexy.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

You'll either love or hate it.
The whole film centers around Frankie (Ione Skye), who's a hopeless romantic living in her own little dream world - the 1940's or '50's - while the rest of the world goes on in the new millennium . She likes to quote famous people who once said something deep or wise to prove she's like them somehow. She has a sleeping problem, which actually has little to do with the movie other than symbolism (suggesting that's she's different because she doesn't dream due to chronic insomnia). She's looking for the love of her life, but almost nobody measures up to her unusual standards. Until one day...

If you find Frankie to be cute and endearing, you'll want her to be happy by finding true love with somebody that will put up with her quirkiness. If you find her to be boring or annoying, you'll simply want her to go away. Guess my choice?

What a stinker!
A previous reviewer summed it up EXACTLY:

"This movie seems to want to be very artsy and intellectual, but really isn't. Ione Skye's (Frankie)character is frankly unlikeable, she is a self involved bore who seems to be living on another planet ..."

The only thing more boring than her are her loser friends. I fell asleep. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Loved It!
First of all, the movie was made in 1991 ( I know because I rented it in 1991 ) so I don't know why it says 1993 by the title but, anyway...

This is one of those multi-storyline gems that focus on several characters with different love interests and storylines. The film is like a " St. Elmo's Fire " for the nineties. You get a lot of realistic issues as well as some great acting rolled into one. All of the actors are wonderful but Rae Dawn Chong ( M.J. ) rules the show. Usually Rae plays innocent sweet characters but she showed she has range with this one. In this film you cannot help but take her seriously.

I'd give this a try if you haven't seen it. Of course, it's a little dated in terms of the 90's banter but is still one of the better date films you'll see in a while. The actors have amazing chemistry with one another. Unfortunately Rae Dawn Chong, Fisher Stevens and Sandra Bullock seem to be the only ones still working. The others ( who were quite impressive ) seemed to fall off the face of the earth. I agree that there are too many subplots towards the end of the film and yes the end was predictable. But hey nothing's perfect. It may not be anything to scream about but this is one of few films that will keep you balling, laughing and joking until the end.

Watch only for Sandra
After long and tedious credits, this 1992 film starts with characters speaking in relative darkness. It eventually turns out that this film is a series of flashbacks, leading up to the present day, which helpfully links each scene together.

Sandra Bullock is instantly recognisable, playing Amanda. Her natural wavy hair was either done for the film, or she uses straightners now. She does a bit of narrating throughout the film, although not much. She still has the same laugh, which she perfected in "Miss Congeniality". None of the other characters seem to have found fame & fortune, unlike Sandra. Everyone says "Demolition Man" (1993), started her career, but if enough people had seen this film, it would have made her. She's always smiling & quirky - you just have to ignore the bright blue eyeshadow, left over from the 1980s.

Amanda's younger brother crops up during this film, peppering his speeches with "wack" and "dude", sounding like he should have appeared in "Bill & Ted" a few years earlier.

The film starts with MJ's 25th birthday; she gets found in bed by her roommates with a strange man, and then crashes into some guy's car, who she instantly proceeds to flirt with. This sets the story for her, as she seems to do nothing but flirt during the film. Her character totally annoys me (although you feel slightly sorry for her in the end), but the rest of the characters don't really have any effect on me. She is everything I hate about women today: their unsubtle flirting with any old guy, and then they ditch them. I'm also sure she was in "Devil's Advocate", and her character annoyed me then too.

The male characters are very hard to distinguish from each other, not helping by the far away shots, and the fact that two of them look remarkably similar. The female characters all have different characteristics and looks, but the guys just blend into each other.

This film jumps back and forth from ongoing storylines, different characters and curious situations, leaving you lost as to what's going on. Being 114 minutes, this film is too long. I got bored and it wasn't even halfway through. It doesn't really have that much of a plot, and I consider it to be how "Friends: The Movie" would be. Not good. Can take in small doses, but not in a movie. There are a couple of good bits where the characters learn from mistakes they've made and the bitterness shows obvious cracks in relationships. Plus, the ending is predictable. A lot more could have been done with this film, but parts were neglected, and too much was focused on the one character. ... Read more