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« less
Growing Pain's Kirk Cameron leads the way with these suspenseful and action packed series!
Callie K. (ballofglitter) from GRAND ISLAND, NE Reviewed on 6/15/2014...
Very good movie, just like the book. Really enjoyed this one
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL Reviewed on 9/16/2011...
I'm a fan of Apocalypse cinema (Miracle Mile,The Thaw,etc) and had heard that this film was worth checking out. Boy did I hear wrong. I want to begin by stating that I have nothing aganist religion and am basing this review on the film. This movie is horrible. I should have expected that it was religious propaganda based on the fact that it stars Kirk Cameron (who's spent decades turning himself into one of the most extreme example of religious mania gone wrong). This film deals with the events from the Book of Revelations (which according to some knowledgeable experts is political propaganda & not religious at all). The main characters seem to do nothing but pray and find religion. It's really kind of sad when the most interesting character in your film is the Anti Christ. Bad acting, cheap production values, laugable effects and a plot that exists for the sole reason of attempting to convert people. Bad filmmaking.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Tami K. from CARROLLTON, TX Reviewed on 10/18/2009...
I really enjoyed this movie. Of course the book is better, but they can't put all of the details in a 2 hr movie.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Duane S. (superpoet) from FORT WORTH, TX Reviewed on 6/22/2008...
Very good movie. I have not read the book, but the story line and characters are very believable.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
A sightful movie about the end days
Sopheap Pal | Dallas, GA United States | 09/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Based on the best seller series, Left Behind is a sightful movie about the end days. The producers in cooperation with Tim Lahaye/Jerry B. Jenkins bring you a movie about hopes and fears. I've noticed from the start that this DVD will rock the world. As one of the best christian movie ever made, it reminds us that we have little time to act. It answers so many questions that people often ask.I found the book to be very enticing and if the book is good, the movie is better, especially on DVD. This movie brings all the facts, all the revelations, and all the struggle in one action-filled adventure to eternity. If you're a christian, you will find this movie fulfilling and if you're not a christian, then watch it anyways because it makes you ask the big question, "Is God really there?""
I think it's great!
11/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I did not buy this movie in order to pick over the special effects (which, by the way, I have no complaints with)or complain that it couldn't compare in quality to all of Hollywood's big budget movies. This is a movie with a message and it comes across loud and clear to me. I've watched this movie almost daily since I got it and each time I see something that I didn't see before. When it hits the theater next Feb I plan on loading up the van with a bunch! And for those who complain that Christian movies don't compare with the ones that Hollywood generates, thank God! Because you spend more doesn't make it better."
A Movie to be Watched with Your Heart
Donna J. McCord | Mountain View, CA United States | 11/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have not read the Left Behind series, but now I will. I found this movie in a Christian book store and was inspired to buy it and watch it at home. As is true for any movie or book or piece of art, the way people react to them is a very personal and subjective experience, based on their own beliefs and what has happened in their lives so far. So no matter what people say in these reviews, you need to make your own decision about this movie's value. I watched it with my 11 year old daughter and one of her friends. We were all totally caught up in the characters and the story, as well as the music (we have since bought the sound track and love it!). It made us cry, and more importantly, it made us think about what we need to do as Christians to help non believers (including my husband) begin to ask the question: if all of this is true, and if Christ does return to take His believers away from the horrors of the end times, where will I be? If you believe that it could be God's will to get this movie out in as many theaters as possible and move people to change their hearts, then join in the efforts to get sponsorship for this movie in your area. All the criticism about special effects is moot since the movie producers have already enhanced those scenes for the movie release. We thought the actors were very well cast, especially Kirk Cameron as Buck Williams. It was also a treat to watch a movie that you could immerse yourself in with no worries except when it would end. But the main point is this: if you open yourself to the message here, you will feel it as we did, and you will want to share it with anyone you care about or love. Leave your worldy views and prejudices behind and watch this with your heart."
This is not a bad Christian film!
A. Rains | Currently trapped in Maine | 12/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Okay let me start by correcting another writer that the book in the Bible that the movie is based on is called "REVELATION" not "REVELATIONS" as the writer called it! There! Now that this is off my chest let's talk about this film. Most movies put out by Christians are tacky and cheesy (i.e., Judas Project, Thief In The Night series, Appocalypse). This movie however has strong performances and a decent script. Kirk Cameron is a lot better than I had expected as Buck. The suspense is there and I think they did a good job of setting up the storyline. I had not read the series prior to the movie and I thought it was very easy to follow. Viewing the film actually inspired me to read all the other Left Behind series books. Though they have their faults, I do believe that future films would be great! I think this movie lacked all cheesiness that is so frequent in other films of this genre and I do believe that God will use it for His glory. I reccommend it strongly. It is not Chariots of Fire but it is well worth your time!"
When's number two coming?
slgilligan | Ithaca, NY United States | 11/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed Left Behind. Compared to other low budget films that get produced every year, this is definitely one of this year's best, both in how the movie was made and in how it looked. The use of special effects was kept to a minimum, which worked well for this story. I wish they had expanded and filled the 'normal' 2 hours - there definitely was more they could have covered. Left Behind did have a lot of exposition and character set up, but this is necessary for any first film in a series. Left Behind: 2 will have the advantage of picking up right where this one left off. Don't get me wrong, though, there is still a lot in the plot that grabs your attention. It's like the book - you want to peek to see what's around the next 'page' but you have to wait until you get there! Like I mentioned already, special effects were good (in other words, there weren't really any that popped out to this TVR major). The score was excellent - I didn't notice it at all. The sign of a bad musical score is that you pay attention to the music instead of the movie. The script was done well, though I wish there had been more. There were a couple odd lines, but what movie doesn't? I enjoyed how it started out differently from the book - that was definitely a better starting point for a movie.Overall, for a low budget, Christian movie, Left Behind has exceeded my expectations. Granted, Left Behind is not a 'blockbuster' in terms of money and time spent, future Left Behinds could be - if this movie is as popular as the books."