Final Destination Bloodlines | A Resurgence For the Franchise or Forgettable?

After a fifteen year hiatus, Final Destination Bloodlines, the newest addition to the Final Destination franchise, was recently released in theatres, filmed for IMAX and 4DX. It is also currently the only Final Destination film to be certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a high score of 92%. Does the film truly live up to this rating, or will it fade into oblivion like many of the other films in the franchise?

The Final Destination films, while they all slightly differ, have three common traits: a premonition that opens the film, a series of chaotic and disgusting deaths that follow after death is cheated, and a plotline that seeks to stop death in his tracks. For this review, I will be discussing Bloodlines in the context of these three criteria.

Now, I think it’s important to note that I saw this film in 4DX, which for those who don’t know what that is, 4DX is a multi-sensory cinema experience that enhances the traditional movie-watching experience by adding physical effects like motion seats, wind, water, fog, and scents, all synchronized with the on-screen action. These effects are designed to make viewers feel as though they are part of the movie. I am a huge fan of adrenaline based activities like rollercoasters, zip lining, boating, etc. and pairing a film riddled with natural disasters, explosions, gore, and more with 4DX was an excellent marketing move. Some other films as a comparison point I’ve seen in 4DX include Saw X, and Alien Romulus. For me, 4DX really heightens the film experience (if it’s the right film of course), and it really immerses you in what you’re seeing.

Common trait one: the premonition. The opening of every film and one of the strongest points of this franchise to me. For me personally, Bloodlines has one of THE strongest, if not the strongest opening premonition. I was extremely impressed, It was so well filmed and executed, much of it filmed practically by the way, you grew to like the characters very quickly before disaster struck, and it spent a LONG time building up to the climax of what happens at the Sky Tower. Heights is not necessarily new territory in Final Destination, as the bridge collapse in Final Destination 5 revolves around heights, but the Sky Tower is a whole different beast. Unfortunately, the premonition was the height of the movie for me, no pun intended. It was so well done that everything that came after it felt lack luster and disappointing.

Now what follows a typical Final Destination premonition? Our characters avoid death and he seeks out his revenge the rest of the film, thus leading to a string of diabolical, gory, creative, and sometimes semi comedic death sequences. How did those land in Final Destination Bloodlines? For me, none of these deaths would make my top 2-3. The use of CGI was a bit excessive, and some of them were so fast (with not as much buildup as previous films) or goofy, that they didn’t stick with me long after the film, which is okay! Final Destination is far from a serious franchise. However, there is one death in particular in this film involving an MRI machine that was absolutely disgusting and horrifying that definitely deserves an honorable mention at the very least. However, the tanning bed scene from Final Destination 3 still remains one of the most terrifying sequences I’ve ever seen. Best anti tanning PSA ever!

Finally, the overall plot, conflict and resolution-did our family in Bloodlines stop death successfully? I won’t be answering that since this is a spoiler free review, but transparently the plot in this was FAR too serious and attempting to be emotional, when it just didn’t land when paired with these goofy deaths and the campy nature of the franchise. It certainly serves the plot, given that the story revolves around a family and death coming for those who are related, but I don’t think it elevates the story at all, if anything, it’s distracting because the tone is so mismatched. There are some fun and hilarious twists and turns that were unexpected in terms of plot and character development that were great fun, but overall, I found myself not caring much about many of these characters, and they didn’t have the most distinguishable traits at time, other than being family. Thinking back to the early 2000s Final Destinations, was the dialogue kinda cheesy and the characterizations/stereotypes over the top? Sure. But it works with the campy nature of the films and is memorable over time.

Overall, I give Final Destination 3 out of 5 stars. All these criticisms aside, I still had a total blast, 4DX really elevated the film, the presence of Tony Todd and his improvised monologue had me teary, and the powerful opening sequence were all highlights of this film for me, but overall, I wouldn’t put this Final Destination in my top 2 or 3 (as of now). Nevertheless, it’s a blast to see in theatres, especially in Imax or 4DX, so go check it out for a good time, but perhaps not a lasting, memorable one.

Rest in peace, Tony Todd