Amazon.com

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 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 ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

so so
This movie was strange. I can't say it was good and I can't say it was bad. I guess if you like all the deeper meaning stuff it's pretty interesting. The acting was good. Maury Chaykin played insane very well. Although I can't watch this movie at one sitting, it's just a bit draggy.

O.k. movie, just not my type of movie
I will admit the only reason I rented this movie was to see Paul Gross. The acting was good. The movie seemed a bit long at times.What was good about COLD COMFORT? Paul Gross. What was bad about COLD COMFORT? the nudity and obsene language. Just not my type of movie.

Cold comfort is a very good movie
Cold Comfort is a very good but dark movie. Rewarded as one of the best canadian movie, he is very pleasant to watch and the music with the atmoshere (very beautiful landscape) entertain people in this dark story between a poor salesman and a psychotic man with his daughter.

Could not possibly have been better.
If you thought "Fargo" was funny, you MUST see this movie. This is a truly brilliant film with a very dark, very sick sense of humor. Paul Gross is a travelling salesman who wrecks his car in the middle of a stark Manitoba blizzard. Maury Chaykin, an erstwhile tow truck driver, rescues Gross -- then presents Gross to his daughter for her 18th birthday. Gross puts in a stellar performance as the hapless hostage who becomes smitten with Chaykin's daughter. His gradual progression from confident salesman to twitching, terrified victim is a rare treat. Chaykin perfectly complements Gross, bringing a wonderful subtlety to his role as the hair-trigger sociopath. Combine this fantastic acting with a script chock full of sick plot twists and inspired dialogue, and you've got yourself a winner! ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Really Good!!
"In his father's shoes" war really good.
It's a wonderful movie about Clay(Robert Ri'chard)
and his dad. Wen his father died hi found he found his father's old shoes wen he was at grandmother. And then it happends things
I thougt this movie was excellent.
And if you want to see more good movies i thi'nk you should see "tought by an angel" and "light it up" Robert Ri'chard is with in htat movies :)

Fine Family Film with Great Performances
Both Louis Gossett, Jr. and Robert R'ichard are very good in their respective roles. R'ichard, who won an Emmy for his performance, exhibits a wide range of emotions, befitting his character's coming to terms with the death of his father and the realization that he is the "carbon copy" of his father. This is one well-made film that is great for the entire family and should promote discussion and understanding about the importance of all members of the familial unit.

Well done story on the special bond between sons and fathers
This is a nicely done story on the powerful bond between fathers and sons. After his father dies, young Clay fulfills his father's deathbed wish to heal family wounds. With the aid of magical wingtip shoes, a gift to his father from a strange gypsy, Clay literally steps into his father's shoes and visits his dad's childhood. Clay finds a sustaining connection with his father after his death, and reconnects other members of his extended family. An excellent film for children who have lost a loved one. Clay's mother is warmly supportive of her son's need to come to terms with the death in his own way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A fading New England fishing town is the setting of this gentle fable inwhich teen swimmer Amanda, troubled by her father's absence, skips school withsome mild vandalism in mind but winds up saving a man who has jumped into theriver. The man (Cocoon's Hume Cronyn) was actually just out for a swim,as he and his wife (Joan Gregson) are sea people--the politically correct termfor mermaids. Amanda (Tegan Moss) gets drawn into the elderly couple's quest forcolder water, enlisting the help of a schoolmate (Shawn Roberts) with a fishingboat and a little sea people history of his own. Director Vic Sarin wisely choseto forgo special effects in this charming fantasy-drama that premiered onShowtime, letting his excellent cast do the work of convincing the audienceinstead. The intelligent script by Wendy Biller and Christopher Hawthornemanages to avoid both over sentimentality and cynicism. The result is an old-fashioned tale inhabited by thoroughly modern teens. Although appropriate forany age, this 90-minute movie will most intrigue ages 7 and up. --KimberlyHeinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One for the family
Last night my 19-year-old son said, 'Mom, come watch this movie with me. It gets me every time.' So I did. I especially enjoyed seeing Hume Cronin again. His character was sweet, gently teasing Amanda to let go of her fear and to find a smile and a friend. I also liked the fact that these were not obviously 'mer-people' -- no tails or scales. The ending was happy-sweet-sad. This is a story your whole family can enjoy together. We did! (How many movies can you say that about these days?)

A gentle, magical tale of the human spirit and the sea
After reading a negative review of "Sea People" on Internet Movie Database, I was a little hesitant to rent the movie. But after two or so viewings I'm glad I did, because I would have missed out on a mystical, touching family film.

Director Victor Sarin chose to avoid special effects such as a mermaid tail (The McRaes cleverly quip that only the Florida mermaids have those) in favour of explaining the origins of seapeople as being human.

"Sea People" never seems to drift beyond the realms of the possible. It tenderly expresses a girl's passion for life and the sea and her relationship with an elderly couple that have a lot to teach her in return for her friendship.

The cast did a fantastic job, especially Hume Cronyn. It was a pleasant surprise to see that the film was shot in Nova Scotia and that the cast is entirely Canadian (look for a guest appearance at the end from Cedric Smith).

Delightful, Witty Family Film
This delightful video put smiles onto the face of our 4th grade son. I loved it for the wonderful humor which was witty and demeaning to no one. It is a current, upbeat film for the family, being intelligent, sensitive, and imaginative. We stretched out bedtime so we could watch it through to the end. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Terrible Movie, but hey, Paula Abdul's in it!
I have always heard nothing but terrible reviews of this movie, so when I decided to finally see for myself (and this was solely because I am a Paula fan and wanted to see her...*bad acting*) it was worse than expected. The film lagged and reminded me of Paula's last venture in acting. "touched by evil" anyone (one of ABC's worst made for TV movies in history).

Bottem line: Not worst your precious time (unless you like Paula!).

check out: groups.msn.com/Paulakateers , groups.msn.com/americanidolboard

For those who enjoy the occaisional Harlequin Romance...
Do you remember Kung Fu: The Legend Continues? If you do and were a fan of the show, then you will be pleasantly surprised to know that Chris Potter plays the romantic leading man in this nice, if somewhat bland, love story.

Basically, Potter plays a spy trying to protect his spy mentor's niece, and his mentor, from an evil spy that Potter and the uncle used to work with.

Pretty much the standard manipulations and lies but the chemistry between Potter and the female lead is pretty good.

Oh, and Paula Abdul makes an appearance playing the female lead's best friend.

Espionage, romance, and two beautiful people. A nice way to wile away an hour or so. ... Read more