So gory it's funny
Joe Nguyen, staff writer
Feb. 11, 2006

Synopsis
High school senior Wendy, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“The Ring 2”), joins her friends for a graduation night celebration at the local amusement park. Just after the pneumatic harness descends, securing her in her seat, Wendy experiences a vivid premonition of a fatal accident in which the roller coaster becomes a death trap for her and her friends.

Review
Scary movies are supposed to be, well, scary.

Director James Wong ("Final Destination," "The One") doesn't succeed in striking fear with "Final Destination 3," but rather unintentionally tickles the funny bone with his absurdly gory death scenes. It fits the bill as a typical teenage slasher flick, complete with blood, guts and a nude scene.

Director James Wong on the set of "Final Destination 3"

The death scenes are the heart of the franchise. The latest chapter showcases elaborate fatalities, some of which don’t end the way it’s expected to. The victim is going to die a horrible death; it’s different from the obvious. Half the fun’s trying to figure how it’s going to happen.

Some of the characters are unbelievably annoying that no trace of humanity appears to be left in them. For example, Frankie, played by Sam Easton (“Underclassman”), is a foul, perverted skirt-chaser who says some things that boggle the mind. Are there really people out there who say such filth sober? If so, do they believe that it works?

Mary Elizabeth Winstead held her own in the lead role as Wendy even though her character was poorly written. Wendy is either paranoid or sullen throughout the entire film. Even before anything happens, she’s suspicious of everything. It’s teenage angst taken to an entirely new level.

History has shown that horror sequels rarely live up to the quality of their initial installments. “Final Destination 3” doesn’t break this tradition, but it doesn’t embarrass itself either. For fans of gory humor, it’s worth to pick up as a rental when it comes out on DVD.

Joe gives "Final Destination 3":

Joe Nguyen is a staff writer for asiaXpress.com. You can reach Joe at joe@asiaxpress.com.

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