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Left Behind - The Movie

Left Behind - The Movie

List Price: $19.95
Your Price: $15.96
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Great disappointment, for different reasons
Review: I disliked the film adaptation of the first "Left Behind" novel, for reasons other than those of other detractors.

Many discredit this movie for its flat acting, "cheap" special effects, and dilution of the message conveyed in the novels. I disagree with all these points. The acting, though not memorable, was adequately convincing. (And yes, I include Kirk Cameron in that statement.) The effects were quite good, especially considering the humble budget available for this movie. And the message was loud and clear, well-conveyed but not obviously overstated.

It's the plot that bothers me. This movie was not an adaptation, it was a near-total re-write! I lost count of the number of scenes which made me realize, "Wait, THAT didn't happen!" At first, I thought I just had a bad memory, but then the mangled plot lines grew in number and diversion from the novel. I understand the need to slim down the plot to fit the movie (which was only 90 minutes, another disconcerting point). But EVERYTHING changed, to the point where the movie tells a completely different story from the novel. Only the characters, and the occurance of the Rapture, remained the same.

I won't describe the differences, so as not to spoil this movie for future viewers. But I will suggest that you give up on the movie, and invest in the novels instead.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: I agree with "A Christian from California"...
Review: I thought the movie overall was good. I think that the movie is more effective as an edifier and affirmation for those of us who already know Christ as Lord and Savior. It got me excited all over again. However for someone who may be seeking Jesus, something was missing. The movie never explained exactly what happened when people vanished. Jesus's name was never mentioned in the whole movie. The movie never explained what one should do to ensure that they're not "left behind". I believe that the movie can be used as a witnessing tool but the movie alone lacks one key element: the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Maybe, I expected too much from this movie.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Premillenialism is COMPLETELY anti-biblical.
Review: I can't understand why people buy into the premillenial garbage? Anyone with an eigth of a brain who can do even remotely intelligent exegesis will be able to tell (if they actually read the Bible) that every time Christ talks about the rapture, it is AFTER the tribulation. AFTER!!!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Strong Performance by Gordon Currie
Review: The first action scene in this movie looks like something from a mediocre Hollywood sci-fi flick with all the scientific legitimacy of "Independence Day" or "Armageddon". However, the movie gets progressively better. I have never read any of the novels so I have no preconceived ideas about the characters or the plot, beyond what I know of biblical prophecy. I found most of the major characters to be convincing and the story to be captivating. Gordon Currie's portrayal of the sinister Carpathia was especially good. In the climactic scene near the end of the movie he reminded somewhat of Ralph Fiennes portraying Amon Goeth in "Schindler's List". The movie's ending leaves you hanging, something which many people may find annoying. However, I tend to like movies with ambiguous endings ("Never Cry Wolf", "The Empire Strikes Back", etc.) Besides, that makes it an ideal candidate for a sequel.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Don't bother.
Review: Most movies are never on the same par as the book equivalent. This movie was even worse. A terrible disappointment after reading such an engrossing book.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Left Behind the Movie
Review: I have followed the Left Behind series for about three years now and love the Message of Salvation that it clearly explains. I was disappointed in the movie, though. I know the intent is good, but the acting left something to be desired. It is such a powerful and important message, but I believe the seeker will have a difficult time taking it seriously.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Needs a little salt, but impressed enough to write about it
Review: This is a good film for parents and kids to watch together, especially if someone in the family is up on the Revelation and can help tie-in some of the events portrayed that are presented a little too vaguely for non-Bible readers to pick up on. The idea of the people being taken bodily and thier clothes being left made for a cute "confused old lady scene" but I've never gone for the idea that the bodies will be taken along and it might have made that aspect of the movie too sci-fi-ish, but you get past that right away as the plot thickens. I thought it was lacking in dialog in that they used alot of Christian cliche's such as when the girl tells "Buck", "you can feel Him tugging on your heart...", that is so overused and plain it's almost a turn-off and puts you in mind of a made for tv movie (surprised they didn't say "Smile, God loves you" somewhere in there). Look at the dramatic verbage you remember about Star Trek or those "ghostie" movies--"I see dead people.."; wouldn't it be better for Cameron to turn around in a tight face shot and say "He's not tugging at it, He's hitting it with a 2million volt defib!". The old-guy prophet was good, the professor on the other hand was overkill, Obi-wan-kenobi/1940's radio newsguy. It needed something, but worth seeing and I DEFINITELY will want to see the next installments.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Pretty Good Movie
Review: I have to say that this was a pretty good movie, although I did not like how it just "chopped" off at the ending.

If you are going to buy this movie, buy the DVD. It has a great 1/2 hour video on the making of "Left Behind". Without watching the "making" video, I would not have know of the cameo appearances by Clay Crosse, Rebecca St James, Jake (The entire band) and Bob Carlisle. The DVD also has a couple of videos on it, but once you have seen the movie and the making of the movie. The same movie scenes on the videos gets old. I was getting tired of seeing the same clips from the movie played to a different song.

This movie is a great grass roots Christian media that opens the doors to more Christian movies. I am proud to own this movie. Good Job Namesake Entertainment and Cloud Ten!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Left Behind in London
Review: As a resident of the UK, I'm quite saddened to find out that as yet there is no release date for this film, but as a broadcaster on the UK's only commercial terestrial Christian Radio station, I'm in the unique position as to be able to get hold of a copy. And now that video recorders can play both UK & USA formats, I was very pleased to be able to watch this film recently. I have to say, I was certainly not dissapointed with it. They have kept it extremely close to the book, with only a few changes in the storyline. I'm just sad it's only the first book, but I hear they are in post production of Tribulation Force. The characters play very well, but it did take me a while to get used to the very young Carpathia. The special effects are fantastic, but they should be for 14 million dollars ! there is very little cringe factor in this film and only a few cheezy moments. Fantastic.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Spectacular!
Review: First, let me say this movie was much better than I expected. I bought the movie the day it came out, and had friends over to watch it that night. While myself and one other friend had read the books the majority gathered there had not. The movie was liked well by all, Christians and non-Christians alike. The movie could have been made longer to include some important scenes from the books (including the not so important-but fun- "cookie scene" with Chloe and Buck). Some viewers may be disappointed by the lack of action, but if they've read the books they know there is not much action in Left Behind: The book either. The special effects were amazing. The acting was overall very good. Chelsea Noble and Kirk Cameron's performances seem a bit forced at first, but they seem to losen up a little as the movie progresses. Nicolae Carpathia is amazing- and chilling, I definitely wish we could have seen more of him. Clarence Gilyard (Bruce) gives a wonderful performance. Chloe is excellent. The movie is much better the 2nd time you watch it. For those who complained about the lack of action, if this one is supported they may make a longer sequel with a bigger budget. The soundtrack is wonderful and even better when you know the songs in their entirety. I particularly Bruce's song ( Never been unloved by Michael W. Smith) This review may have sounded critical, but that is because I do not have the time or space to say everything that was good about the movie. In conclusion, when this movie comes to theaters, GO IN DROVES. Support this excellent movie and we may get an even better one next time. You will not be disapointed!


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