Paying My Respects ("Final Destination: Bloodlines" Review)

 I still insist that the first "Final Destination" film is the best of them all. It opened with what was perhaps the most realistic of the classic Final Destination premonitions and it still gives me chills when I see it. Once the sequels started to pop out, they seemed intent to outdo the previous kills. It makes sense. Most horror films are like that. Even if the elaborate disasters seem contrived it keeps the audience coming for more. And let's just face it...these are fun movies.

I've seen a handful of the sequels and they do seem to be cookie cutter, but because they're trying to top the previous films, it's undoubtedly fun to see. And one of them was in 3D, and that was quite a blast! So as this new Final Destination film opened in theaters (titled "Final Destination: Bloodlines"), I wasn't sure I was going to get anything different from the previous films other that even MORE elaborate premonition setups and kills. The real reason I went to see this film was to pay my respects to the great Tony Todd.

Tony Todd was a modern day horror legend, having starred as Candyman in the film of the same name. And with many film and television credits to his name (including the remake of George A. Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead"), he made a recurring role in this franchise. And he was always a welcoming face to see.

Having tragically passed in December of 2024 at the age of 69, he undoubtedly left his mark on the genre.

This film, like the previous, seems to want to keep links to the former films but give a new spin to it. Whether it's linking old stories together or going back in time to show premonitions of older timelines, it's doing its best to try and freshen up a franchise that may be getting a bit stale. And it seems this period of time is the era of bringing in a fresh new cast among older veterans, as we have seen with the Scream franchise and soon with the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" franchise. Hey, if it works...

Having said that, though it may not be a perfect film (or a good film for that matter) it was a fun time. Many horror fans (including myself) can enjoy a cheesy or bad horror film. It's kind of a tradition from the old school grind house era. If that's how you feel about the genre, I would recommend this film. If you want something worth your time and money, maybe wait until this shows up on television or streaming. 

And with that, rest in peace Tony Todd. And thank you.