Part conspiracy theory and part religious message, Left Behind (based on the first in a series of runaway bestsellers by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins) is a passable, occasionally compelling thriller that turns the rapture ... more »and the ascendance of the Antichrist into something resembling a Robert Ludlum espionage potboiler. The beginning, though, is pure Stephen King: as morose pilot Rayford Steele (Brad Johnson) steers his jet plane toward London, comely flight attendant Hattie Daniels (Chelsea Noble) informs him that a number of passengers have disappeared--at 37,000 feet, leaving their neatly pressed clothes behind. And they're not the only ones who've gone missing. The mass disappearances throw the world into chaos, and the sinisterly compelling Nicolae Carpathia (Gordon Currie), head of the U.N., selflessly steps in to help broker peace among the world's nations. But is he as good intentioned as he seems? Turns out the appropriately named Mr. Carpathia is behind a plot to rule the world and control its food supply, and intrepid reporter Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron, better than you'd expect) is onto him--with a little help from some biblical prophecies. Suffering the problem that befalls most first installments in a series of books and movies, Left Behind busies itself with the task of introducing characters and setting up expository plot lines, and audiences may be frustrated by the lack of action--Rayford's somewhat labored crisis of faith takes up a good chunk of the film. Still, it's an intriguing premise that should satisfy fans of the novel and possibly pick up a few more converts along the way (be warned, though, this is a modestly budgeted film that looks more like a cable TV movie than the latest James Bond extravaganza). And, if like a fair number of the film's characters, you can't figure out that someone named "Nicolae Carpathia" is a bad guy, then, well, you need to bone up on your evil villains. --Mark Englehart Arguably the most interesting and compelling feature in the Left Behind trilogy, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force finds the series' major characters--television journalist Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron), passenger jet captain Rayford Steele (Brad Johnson), his daughter Chloe (Janaya Stephens), and Pastor Bruce Barnes (Clarence Gilyard)--forming the core of a group dedicated to infiltrating and disrupting operations of the Anti-Christ, i.e., Nicolae Carpathia (a scary Gordon Currie), who has become leader of a world government. Meanwhile, humankind looks increasingly desolate and bleak, as the reality sinks in that hundreds of millions of people who suddenly vanished--including all the world's children--in the last film are not coming back. Veteran television director Bill Corcoran makes much of his scant resources to paint an apocalyptic vision, and when the film gets to indulge in some nifty effects (a pair of fire-breathing prophets--literally), the result is powerful. Drama, relationships, character development, and performances are quite smooth and should appeal to Christian and non-Christian viewers alike. --Tom Keogh Third in the series, Left Behind: World at War finds the post-Rapture Earth an even bleaker place than in the previous movies. As the Antichrist himself, Nicolae Carpathia (Gordon Currie), uses his newfound powers as head of the world government to bring war and plague on every nation, the American president (Louis Gossett Jr.) teams with a Christian resistance fighter (Jessica Steen) to try to stop him. Meanwhile, series hero Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron) discovers that Carpathia's biological front in a coming apocalypse is particularly devious: Freshly published Bibles are carrying a deadly disease ravaging thousands--and may very likely claim Buck's new bride. Buck's father-in-law, pilot Rayford Steele (Brad Johnson), has problems of his own facing the not-inconsiderable temptations of former flight attendant Hattie Daniels (Chelsea Noble), now one of Carpathia's many lovers. Directed by Craig R. Baxley (Rose Red), Left Behind: World at War is particularly crisp and effective drama, even when the action stops, as it often does, for many of the principals to pray for guidance. Charles Martin Smith (The Untouchables), not seen often enough these days, has a brief but powerful part as the U.S. vice-president. --Tom Keogh« less
The first one was the best but the trilogy was good!
Movie Reviews
Our family wouldn't settle for the rental....
T. Edwards | NC United States | 05/06/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"we bought them, and now am buying the box set as a gift. I saw "Left Behind" a few years ago, and while the movie obviously did not have the benefit of a large budget like so many Hollywood movies, the cast was good and the message was clear. It's a very powerful movie, and one that I have heard so many people rave about. Obviously, people liked it, and bought it, because you can tell with each movie in the series that their budget is bigger. After I saw the second movie in the set, I thought it was my favorite - until I saw the third. They each just leave you wanting to see more - just like they should. Definitely try it out."
THE BEST OF END-TIME FILM!
Steven Hancock | Winston Salem, NC United States | 05/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cloud Ten Pictures has been in the forefront of Christian film since they first came on to the scene with their groundbreaking film, "Apocalypse." Fusing biblical prophecy with clever writing and intriguing characters and plotting, producers Peter and Paul Lalonde have been responsible for bringing Christian film into the mainstream. So it was no surprise when it was announced that Cloud Ten Pictures would be responsible for translating the mega-selling "Left Behind" book series to the screen.
Between October of 2000, and September of 2005, three films have been made in the "Left Behind" film series. Combining powerful storytelling, rich characters, terrific performances, and cutting-edge special effects, these films have come to show that Christian film is here to stay. And while the films have never had the largest budgets, the cast and crew do a fantastic job in overcoming these short-comings, and creating powerful suspense and drama.
With power and excitement, "Left Behind" has made a successul transition from page to screen. We can only hope that these aren't the last films to be made from the works of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Even if they are, they are a great reminder of where Christian cinema is going. I highly recommend these films to both the fans of the books, and to fans of great films!
Trilogy Overall Grade: A+"
Amazing Series....
J. A. Fraser | Naples, FL | 06/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big fan of the Left Behind series. I think that it helps to paint a picture of what life just might be like when the time of tribulation comes. It helps to bring the book of Revelations to life in a way most can understand.
I love the movies. The characters I believe have been cast well and I hope that the actors playing the major rolls will continue on with future movies.
My only problem with it is that I wish someone with Mel Gibson's finances were making the movie. The quality is a bit low budget and I believe that if it were better financed it would be better quality and higher box office ratings (like The Passion) and therefore reach more people. I also wish that the movies would follow the books a little closer than they do. Other than that...I have only high praises for the series and hope to see all the books made into movies...and I will own them all!
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Left Behind Collection
FAD | Columbus, OH | 01/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My family and I really enjoyed this collection. It's something in it for the entire family. Makes you want to really read your bible even more."
Excellent Representation
J. D McGraw | Hilton Head | 07/15/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The 3 movies are an excellent representation of possible senario's of the future as told in the book of Revelations."