Tony Todd’s Last Whisper in Final Destination: Bloodlines — A Fitting Farewell to a Horror Icon
Here is something a little different for me, a quick blasted out review of a film we watched at the cinema last night: Final Destination: Bloodlines.
Why this one, you ask, as opposed to others seen recently on the silver screen? Well, this one impressed and stuck with me for its way of reinventing itself somewhat whilst not offending the franchise and alienating the viewers.
Like the Scream movies, the Final Destination flicks arrived at a time that was filled by clones battling for attention. Also, like the Scream movies, Final Destination has proved it’s worth in these modern fickle years (the last two Scream films really brought a fresh feel to an almost stale concept to).
The original Final Destination was just that — totally original, amongst the then, teen slasher phase for horror. This one had Death as the unseen killer, and Tony Todd as a brief all-knowing entity. The first two were stunning. Hell, even the late and iconic, Chas Balun rated them, and we know he was hard to please at that point.
Final Destination: Bloodlines has a premonition that literally saves hundreds of lives; not just a handful. So, our beloved killer, Death, really has a huge job, one that lasts for decades. Meanwhile, those who died last in the chain of events happily start families, the kids grow up, but there in lies a problem: like the surviving parent, the children should not exist. Hence this is a great freshening up to the franchise. Death has come for all!
This one is a casual slow burner. After the traditional premonition, things chill out. We get to know the characters, some great, others just bland. Then when the first clues are revealed, butchering Death style begins. The slaughter is as effective as always and believe me, this one doesn’t hold back on the gore. There is all-out blood when needed, concluding satisfactorily with an ending that ties up this story perfectly.
The acting is acceptable for this venture. No one really pulls up trees, but everyone feels like natural folks, not over-the-top characters. And what of the legendary terribly missed, Tony Todd? All is at last revealed as to who William Bludworth is. I say nothing at all, but it is a powerful sendoff for an actor who has left a huge hole in the horror realm. Tony was encouraged to go off script, to say what he wanted to his fans in William’s last words. His pain is visible, but he achieves so much in his one scene that lingers on long after, as his career has done. This reminded me of the last David Bowie video, Lazarus. David knew that it would be the final time so closed a huge book and motioned a goodbye. As William walks out of the room, we know it is forever. It’s absolutely gut wrenching and beautiful.
What of the future of Final Destination? Apparently, the end credits showing news paper clippings are supposed to reveal parts for oncoming chapters, said my friend who googled whilst we watched thinking it was going to be like a Marvel movie and Nick Fury would appear drinking a coffee or something.
Final Destination: Bloodlines has given it all a new spin which encourages more entries. And if it turns out to be the grand finale, then it is a fitting end. This is highly recommended with popcorn and a bloodthirsty grin.
Directed by: Adam B. Stein, Zach Liposky
Written by: Guy Busick, Jon Watts and more
Produced by: Toby Emmerich, Diane McGunicle and more
Cinematography by: Christian Sebaldt
Music by: Tim Wynn
Special Effects by: Tony Lazarowich, Todd Masters, Tom Blacklock
Cast: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Owen Patrick Joyner, Theo Briones, Tony Todd, Gabrielle Rose, Anna Lore
Year: 2025
Country: USA
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 1h 50min
Studio: New Line Cinema, Practical Pictures, Freshman Year, Fireside Films, Domain Entertainment, Inzide Media, Québec Production Services Tax Credit, The Fusion Media
Distributor: Warner Bros., New Line Cinema
