Reviewed by: Elizabeth Tenney, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Introduction

Title: Left Behind

Director: Vic Armstrong

Studio: Stoney Lake Entertainment

Publication Date: 2014

Format: DVD

Length: 110 Minutes

OVERVIEW

Starring Nicholas Cage and Chad Michael Murray, this movie is a barebones adaptation of the bestselling first book in the Jenkins/LaHaye Left Behind series. It follows the aftermath of the Rapture and the apocalypse that follows. The movie uses Biblical events and the disastrous collapse of the end times as a backdrop.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

2 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Despite opening widely to a mainstream theatre audience, due to the unconvincing acting and downplay of the Biblical basis for the plot, this movie falls short of its potential to reach viewers. Christian movie goers may be disappointed in the lack of Scriptural emphasis, while non-believers may only see the fictional drama of another disaster movie.

The main recommendation would, of course, be to read the adult novels, the corresponding teen series or the graphic novels to get the full impact of the story. For the movie goer, the best entertainment with the greatest impact would be the 2000 version, if you don’t mind it being a bit dated.

Christian Impact

When compared to earlier adaptation of this title from 2000, the Biblical basis is given less precedence in the plot. Even the genre description calls the plot science fiction. Despite the star power in the cast and crew (Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty fame was a producer), the picture seems stiff and not very convincing.

Other Notes

Not all denominations agree with the events as laid out in this movie and book series.

See companion review on Left Behind (2000) posted 8/20/15 http://wp.me/p4ATKA-kl

Elizabeth Tenney is a long time public library worker and lover of reading.

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