‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ Review: Sixth Installment Is a Blast of Sadistic Fun

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In the latest addition to the long-running horror film franchise, which celebrated its 25th anniversary recently, the Grim Reaper might attract a fresh group of fans. Titled Final Destination Bloodlines, this movie was released 14 years after the previous installment – a significant gap by series standards. The plot delivers on viewers’ expectations, offering a sequence of intricately designed, sinister Rube Goldberg-style deaths that are so plausible you might start looking both ways before crossing the street once you leave the theater.

What makes these films so intriguing is that death, rather than a masked murderer, takes center stage as the main character. While encounters with serial killers are unlikely for most of us, the fear of slipping in the shower or getting hit by a bus is something many can relate to. The Final Destination series amplifies these everyday fears to an extreme level, leaving viewers feeling uneasy and on edge.

These movies are intriguing because death, not a serial killer, is the main character. Although we may never meet a real serial killer, everyone can imagine slipping in the shower or getting hit by a bus. The Final Destination films make these common fears seem much more intense, making viewers feel scared and worried.

In this episode, Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky skillfully direct, with a stunningly well-coordinated opening scene that is arguably the best in the series. The story unfolds in 1969, as a young couple, Iris (Brec Bassinger) and Paul (Max Lloyd-Jones), visit a restaurant atop an exceptionally high tower for dinner. Unfortunately, what follows is a chain of tragic events, leaving countless diners to meet their grisly ends. Be prepared to reconsider the tune “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” after watching this, as it’s one of several cleverly chosen songs that are used in the film, along with “Ring of Fire” and “Spirit in the Sky.

As a dedicated gamer, it’s not hard to see that the unfolding events were eerily reminiscent of a prophetic vision Iris had years ago, one that saved countless lives. Strangely enough, my granddaughter Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) has been plagued by recurring dreams about these very same occurrences, though she remains oblivious to the personal link.

delving into her ancestry leads Iris to pay a visit to her now elderly grandmother, Gabrielle Rose, who resides secluded in a sturdy wooden cabin nestled deep within the forest. Iris shares that by saving everyone at the tower, she essentially outsmarted death, which has since been working tirelessly to correct the mistake by targeting not just the survivors but also their offspring (who wouldn’t have existed otherwise). This includes Stefani and her relatives, whom she tries to alert and safeguard. It’s not a surprise that her attempts to save them are largely unsuccessful.

The thrill in these movies doesn’t lie in the question of whether the victims will die, but rather in the manner of their demise, and “Final Destination: Bloodlines” certainly delivers on that front. However, it does falter slightly with a drawn-out storyline centered around family dysfunction, leaving viewers eager for the fatal events to unfold. Once they do, the gruesome entertainment commences. The gory scenes, which include a lawnmower, a garbage truck, and an MRI machine among other things, are choreographed so ingeniously that the audience at the preview screening applauded each one as if they were performances in a musical. The blend of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and practical effects is flawless, and the sequences are skillfully edited for maximum suspense, offering occasional relief through witty humor.

In this production, Santa Juana emerges as an endearing and spirited protagonist, while Richard Harmon delivers some humorous scenes as Stefani’s sarcastic relative. However, the standout performance belongs to the late Tony Todd, a recurring character in the series who reprises his iconic role as the enigmatic William Bludworth in his final screen appearance. The film is dedicated to this talented actor, and though he appears only briefly, looking frail and unwell, he remains captivating. This brief scene serves as a moving tribute, reminding us that death touches us all, whether in reality or on the silver screen.

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2025-05-13 19:24