Remakes and sequels are a common thread in the world of film making, especially here in the States. My fellow Nerds and I could probably spend a day and night and then some, discussing the subject in great detail: what are the best and worst sequels? What are the best and worst remakes of all time? When do sequels stop being sequels and simply become the next inevitable follow-up in a series of films?
The answers are for you and I to discuss to ourselves at the moment and then exchange in a dialogue for a later time, whether it be online or in person, but I digress. The real question I am asking here, in relevance to this movie is this: what remakes and sequels should have never even been made?
“Left Behind,” directed by a newcomer to the classic chair you often see on the film sets, Vic Armstrong, is the latest to make a run at the role of a reboot movie. The previous, original, film spent all of one day in nation-wide theaters and proceeded to make its way to VHS and DVD. Keep in mind that this was back in 1999. One of the most intriguing details to the making of this reboot is at the writing department. The co-screenwriter, Paul LaLonde, who also co-produced this movie, was also a producer for the previous series of films. However, he is writing for the screen for his first time, as well.
I think it is worth noting that there was a great deal of resistance to make this reboot for several years by the writers of the original, best-selling novels, as well as the people behind the making of the movies, too. Call that a disclaimer if you would, but the same story holds true for these people, as with most: money is a highly persuasive object.
In this remake, “Left Behind” has watered down the religious/spiritual aspect of the story, replacing outright details from the Holy Bible with somewhat cryptic, albeit symbolic Christian signals. At times, the movie does, indeed, makes the audience aware of what the Holy Scriptures say, but for the most part, it is buried under a redirection and alternative focus within the framework of the plot.
Nicolas Cage(“The Croods”) as Rayford Steele, has been selected as the new main character of the story, in place of Cameron Williams, played by Chad Michael Murray(“Fruitvale Station”), although the character of Cameron is still a primary role in the story. Then there’s Cassi Thomson(“1000 to 1”) in the role of Chloe Steele. She happens to be the most dynamic character in the film, but not in a great way. The rest of the cast is spotty and overcrowded, yet somehow I cannot help but wonder if the movie could’ve fared better if their roles had been increased.
Lea Thompson(“The Trouble With the Truth”) as Irene Steele was showcased too little to be as effective as she needed to be for the film and the rest of the cast, predominantly the passengers on board the airplane, were mostly awkward and playing at an almost laughable emotional pitch. Does the winner of American Idol, season 6, Jordin Sparks have a serious future in movies? Well, she has become adequate at playing herself, but what else can I say?
“Left Behind” is relatively effective and able to overcome its flaws for about one-third of the film, but from there, the focus of the redesigned plot is more over-the-top than a bad disaster movie. And let’s not forget the bad editing of the film that leaves the audience with awkward pauses and transitions from scene to scene. By the time the final “action” sequences unfold, you are scratching your head and rolling your eyes in disbelief. When an airplane manages to salvage a safe landing despite the odds, it is a great and heroic accomplishment, but when that exploit fails to excite an audience member, it is as anti-climactic as a storyline taking you all the way to the end of the road and then telling you it was all just a fantasy and there is no detour, just a completely new and different road. Did I forget what I was watching at the end of “Left Behind?” Whoops, it’s a good thing the screenwriters put in that last line to remind me of what I was supposed to be seeing. Will there be a sequel? Only time will tell. “Are you ready?”
Director: Vic Armstrong
Producers: Michael Walker, Paul LaLonde
Screenwriters: Paul LaLonde, John Patus
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Cassi Thomson, Chad Michael Murray, Nicky Whelan as “Hattie Durham,” Jordin Sparks as “Shasta Carvell,” Lance E Nichols as “Bruce Barnes,” William Ragsdale as “Chris Smith,” Martin Klebba as “Melvin Weir,” and Lea Thompson
Distributor: Freestyle Releasing(“God’s Not Dead”)
Release date: October 3rd, 2014
