Considering the barrage of films that have come out in the past year or two representing the more evil side of life, Kirk Cameron's new film is a refreshing change of pace. Left Behind is the first in a new series of films by Christian filmmakers depicting the Second Coming as told in the scriptures of the Bible.
To help give you an idea of what you are in for I will give you a brief synopsis. The film begins with the passengers of a commercial flight mysteriously disappearing. The pilot attempts to answer the question of what happened to them. When he gets home, he finds out that more people that just his passengers and crew is gone. One of his passengers, a successful reporter, finds himself pulled into the middle of the investigation. Cameron looks for answers in science. Things change when church leaders release a video that may have an alternate explanation.
The story begins like a mystery novel. As it unfolds however, an entirely different world involving spiritual concepts comes into play. From a critic's standpoint, Cameron's performance starts out very weak. His character does not seem any different from something you might have seen on his old television show. However, his performance improves throughout the story as it escalates. One scene in particular impresses me. It portrays him giving a soliloquy. He has to deal with all that he has learned from the church leaders. As he struggles with his own faith, he must find a new source of strength in order to continue. In this scene, he let out all his emotions. You could feel his pain. It was wonderful.
As for the body of the story, it is a bit weak as well. The concept behind the movie is commendable, as is the basic story. However, I think their direct approach in the middle of the film is a bit misguided. The beginning is very exciting and sets the stage for a dramatic mystery. As the mystery unfolds, the pace and genre changes instantly when the new explanations arise. From that perspective, the film is not organic to the story it represents. For the benefit of the general audience, I think the film may be a bit off the mark. It makes its point for sure, but the film lacks the energy that will make it a box-office hit.
The concept of Left Behind is to make us think. It allows you to imagine what it would be like of the rise of the Anti-Christ, or the Rapture, happened within your own lifetime. The film is careful not to date itself, allowing you to both set the ideas to your own frame of reference and set it into some future occurrence. Even for those that are not devout Christians, you can appreciate the film. Perhaps those that are atheist may find the story a bit far-fetched, especially towards the end of the movie. However, in and of itself, the story is very exciting. As a religious person myself, despite my disappointment, I did enjoy the movie. If you are looking for a bit of inspiration to brighten your day, this may be the movie for you.
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