Review – Left Behind

Based on the first volume of “the most popular fiction series in history” (at least until Harry Potter came along), this movie treats us to the run-up to the end of the world. As the title implies, the main plot point in this production is the Rapture, the moment in neo-Christian mythology when all good, Bible-believing folk (not to mention all innocent children without regard to religious conviction) suddenly vanish off the face of the earth before the dreaded End Times begin. As a result this movie is mostly set-up for more interesting tales that are – presumably – yet to come. The production is rife with the right-wing conceits one would expect from such a thing, but otherwise this didn’t have to be an absolutely terrible movie. Except for one thing: these folks just cannot stop themselves from preaching. It’s such a big part of the culture that spawns these books and movies that writers and actors and directors just can’t help but do it. The plot has to be interrupted while the characters minister to one another (and thus to the audience as well). Honestly folks, if your story isn’t compelling enough to make the point you’re trying to get across without pausing for sermons, then you need to go back and re-write. Compare this production to The Passion of the Christ or even The Ten Commandments and I hope you’ll see what I mean. So what we’ve got here is a movie designed to preach to the choir. If you’re a choir member, enjoy. Otherwise skip at will. See if desperate