Left Behind II - Tribulation Force

Rating:
Summary: An EXCELLENT Movie!
Review: "Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" (LB II: TF) is the latest movie from the independent Christian Film Studio, Cloud Ten Pictures (CTP). I was recently provided an advance screener copy of the film and, in one word, I would describe it as "excellent."
LB II: TF takes place one week after the events of the first film in the series, "Left Behind: The Movie" (LB: TM) While that film focused on the events of "The Rapture" (the disappearance of all true believers from the Earth), this movie continues the story of those who were "left behind."

One of the things that is immediately apparent is the return of the entire cast from the first film: Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Clarence Gilyard, Chelsea Noble, Janaya Stephens, and Gordon Currie. After compelling performances in LB: TM, their characters are incredibly solidified in LB II: TF. It would be difficult to see anyone else in those roles again. The acting is truly top-notch and the cast is to be lauded for their heart-felt and very real performances. These are not actors playing characters, these ARE the characters.

The pacing of this film is much different than its predecessor. This is not action-fare, it is great story-telling. Any of the qualms some may have had concerning the plot of LB: TM will be quite pleased with the tightness of the script. Much of this is the result of the decision made by CTP to divide the story of the novel, Tribulation Force, into two movies. This allows better concentration on the story, which is the mission of the Tribulation Force to spread God's truth to as many who will hear it. This involves a daring mission to Israel and the announcement by revered scholar, Rabbi Tsion Ben-Judah concerning the Messiah. Everyone has their part to play as the world enters the Tribulation Period. This story is played out beautifully on-screen.

And what about the story? How good is the adaptation from book to movie? Again, in a word, "excellent." As in all adaptations, there is some liberty taken, but we see many of our favorite scenes from the book brought to life. The powerful sermon of Pastor Barnes at New Hope Village Church, the early courtship and struggles of Buck & Chloe, the first meeting with the Two Witnesses (and the fiery aftermath!), the speech by Dr. Ben-Judah - all are presented in high quality.

The strongest point of LB II: TF is the unashamed presentation of the Gospel message. Again, anyone who may have been concerned with the lack of a stronger message in LB: TM will have no problems here. There are clear, reproducible conversions which are both powerful and personal. I was greatly moved by these scenes (even to tears).

Simply put, "Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" is by far the best Christian film I have ever seen. As entertainment, it's moving. As filmmaking, it's dynamic. As an evangelistic tool, it's potential is absolutely limitless. Cloud Ten Pictures has raised the bar yet again, and they are to be commended and applauded for this excellent film.

Rating:
Summary: Met my expectations - unfortunately
Review: Let me start by saying that I was sponsor for the theatrical screening of the first Left Behind movie. I paid to bring it to our city, and I don't regret it. I have nothing against Cloud Ten or the Left Behind series. I've read each book, strangely attracted to them... now that I have started them I feel compelled to finish, even though they are not very good literature.

I watched Trib Force last night and found myself coming away disappointed, once again.

I'm sure Kirk Cameron is a great guy. But he just does NOT cut it in this role. Nicolae is poorly cast. At the end he came across like a whiny baby. His accent is pathetic. (though the special fx where his face morphs is cool!)

There were just a handful of memorable moments in this movie. But it is definitely a low-budget flick. I found myself noticing the actors rather than their characters, a very bad sign. The series needs a complete makeover. They ought to keep Brad Johnson in his role and scrap the rest of them, recasting for the next movie.

If I wasn't a Christian, the movie would be terribly confusing.

Rent it.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Sequel!!
Review: Okay, so you may not agree with the premise of the "Left Behind" Series. I haven't read one of the books, but the movie is good as entertainment and it poses some provocative questions.

So we don't all have the answers. No one does, and this movie doesn't pre-suppose that it is the final answer or even the absolute truth. It is based on the authors' premise, which should be filtered through the Spirit of God anyway.

Look at the film for what it presents. Maybe we'll all be here on the earth during the tribulation, and that's how I've come to view the films. Trying to imagine (which I can't) what life might be like in the trying times of the Great Tribulation. But those who are "in Christ" will be protected and kept from God's wrath, even in the face of those who will persecute Christians and Jews for their beliefs. Even in the face of a charismatic leader who will offer peace at any price and try to "deceive, if possible, the very elect."

Take a breath, relax, and realize this is only a movie, and then enjoy it. I have and it's a fine feeling. And the acting is fine, too. A great sequel. I'm looking forward to the third installment!!!

Rating:
Summary: The Great Tribulation Begins
Review: The movie "Tribulation Force" does an excellent job of following the events from the book. The movie opens with Buck Williams, played superbly by Kirk Cameron, on television analyzing the events of the past week. People are still confused as to what has really happened. Many have chose to commit suicide, but Buck, Chloe, Rayford (Brad Johnson), and Bruce Barnes know the real truth; the rapture has occurred.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has called upon Nicolae Carpathia, played wonderfully by Gordon Currie, to lead the world through this time of confusion. However, only Buck, Rayford, Chloe, and Bruce know Carpathia for what he really is: the Antichrist. The four friends thus have set up the "Tribulation Force", a group of believers who will spread the gospel to anyone at any time. Carpathia has made it his sole mission to destroy the Christian faith. Rayford manages to get hired as Carpathia's personal pilot, and the force heads to Israel for the signing of the peace treaty. It is here that we meet Tsion Ben-Judah, a Jewish Rabbi who has spent huge amounts of time researching the world events and he's come to the conclusion that only Jesus Christ could have caused them, much to the dismay of Nicolae and the joy of Bruce Barnes, who yells "praise God" in celebration.

I've read each book in the "Left Behind" series, and I thought this movie and the first one did an excellent job of following the books. The actors chosen for each role were perfect as well. There is an advertisement at the beginning of the film for the 3rd film installment. I can't wait for it to come out. I'm sure it will be just as good as the first 2 were. If you've read the books of this series or if you just like good movies with a strong message, then this movie is definitely for you.

Rating:
Summary: Glad they made this into video, but...
Review: Too many inconsistencies that don't make sense, nor change the storyline if they would've been acurate.

- Buck never referred to himself in public as Buck, it was always Cameron.
- Buck was a newspaper writer, not a TV reporter
- The GC didn't forbid people to go near the wailing wall this early in the series.
- Chloe is blonde in the books
- Dr. Benjudah (sp) didn't take the stand he did in the video. He never said there was no God, and he invited Buck to the wall, not the other way around.
- In the book, Nicolae didn't have outbursts like at the end of the video.
- Rayford didn't have to beg Hattie for the GC1 pilot job, he was practically pushed into it. Same for Buck.

Aside from these few examples, too many things were rushed through. I would love to have seen the part where Verna gets faced by her boss when she tries to give Buck a hard time.

I'm glad they made this into video, because it was simply entertaining, but I would highly recommend reading the book (the series, for that matter). If you don't, you're missing out on a great story.