Customer Reviews

Left Behind II - Tribulation Force

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1 star:		(20)

 

 

"Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" (LB II: TF) is the latest movie from the independent Christian Film Studio, Cloud Ten Pictures (CTP). I was recently provided an advance screener copy of the film and, in one word, I would describe it as "excellent."
LB II: TF takes place one week after the events of the first film in the series, "Left Behind: The Movie" (LB: TM) While that film focused on the events of "The Rapture" (the disappearance of all true believers from the Earth), this movie continues the story of those who were "left behind."

One of the things that is immediately apparent is the return of the entire cast from the first film: Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Clarence Gilyard, Chelsea Noble, Janaya Stephens, and Gordon Currie. After compelling performances in LB: TM, their characters are incredibly solidified in LB II: TF. It would be difficult to see anyone else in those roles again. The acting is truly top-notch and the cast is to be lauded for their heart-felt and very real performances. These are not actors playing characters, these ARE the characters.

The pacing of this film is much different than its predecessor. This is not action-fare, it is great story-telling. Any of the qualms some may have had concerning the plot of LB: TM will be quite pleased with the tightness of the script. Much of this is the result of the decision made by CTP to divide the story of the novel, Tribulation Force, into two movies. This allows better concentration on the story, which is the mission of the Tribulation Force to spread God's truth to as many who will hear it. This involves a daring mission to Israel and the announcement by revered scholar, Rabbi Tsion Ben-Judah concerning the Messiah. Everyone has their part to play as the world enters the Tribulation Period. This story is played out beautifully on-screen.

And what about the story? How good is the adaptation from book to movie? Again, in a word, "excellent." As in all adaptations, there is some liberty taken, but we see many of our favorite scenes from the book brought to life. The powerful sermon of Pastor Barnes at New Hope Village Church, the early courtship and struggles of Buck & Chloe, the first meeting with the Two Witnesses (and the fiery aftermath!), the speech by Dr. Ben-Judah - all are presented in high quality.

The strongest point of LB II: TF is the unashamed presentation of the Gospel message. Again, anyone who may have been concerned with the lack of a stronger message in LB: TM will have no problems here. There are clear, reproducible conversions which are both powerful and personal. I was greatly moved by these scenes (even to tears).

Simply put, "Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" is by far the best Christian film I have ever seen. As entertainment, it's moving. As filmmaking, it's dynamic. As an evangelistic tool, it's potential is absolutely limitless. Cloud Ten Pictures has raised the bar yet again, and they are to be commended and applauded for this excellent film.

The movie "Tribulation Force" does an excellent job of following the events from the book. The movie opens with Buck Williams, played superbly by Kirk Cameron, on television analyzing the events of the past week. People are still confused as to what has really happened. Many have chose to commit suicide, but Buck, Chloe, Rayford (Brad Johnson), and Bruce Barnes know the real truth; the rapture has occurred.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has called upon Nicolae Carpathia, played wonderfully by Gordon Currie, to lead the world through this time of confusion. However, only Buck, Rayford, Chloe, and Bruce know Carpathia for what he really is: the Antichrist. The four friends thus have set up the "Tribulation Force", a group of believers who will spread the gospel to anyone at any time. Carpathia has made it his sole mission to destroy the Christian faith. Rayford manages to get hired as Carpathia's personal pilot, and the force heads to Israel for the signing of the peace treaty. It is here that we meet Tsion Ben-Judah, a Jewish Rabbi who has spent huge amounts of time researching the world events and he's come to the conclusion that only Jesus Christ could have caused them, much to the dismay of Nicolae and the joy of Bruce Barnes, who yells "praise God" in celebration.

I've read each book in the "Left Behind" series, and I thought this movie and the first one did an excellent job of following the books. The actors chosen for each role were perfect as well. There is an advertisement at the beginning of the film for the 3rd film installment. I can't wait for it to come out. I'm sure it will be just as good as the first 2 were. If you've read the books of this series or if you just like good movies with a strong message, then this movie is definitely for you.

This is one of the best series ever written and I can't believe some of the negative feedback that's being posted. People talking about how they thought this movie should be as big as Spiderman's or Star Wars special effects. Come on, get real...How many independant movie companies out there can you think of that can afford over 100 million dollars? None that I can think of. I think what they did in special effects at the budget they had was an outstanding job. Also the characters I felt were some of the best. There are some great actors in there, just to mention a few (Clarence Gilyard Jr., Brad Johnson, and Gordan Currie who was perfect for the part of Carpathia). I hope to see the entire series come out and I will be one of the first people to see each and every one. We need more movies like this. I highly encourage everybody to go and see it and to pay no attention to the negative reviews.

Ted Baehr, of Movie Guide, is the most authoritative voice on Christian filmmaking and Christian values within Hollywood films. He was provided a rough cut of the movie (no music, no sound effects, etc.). Here is what he said: "In my opinion this film (Left Behind II: Tribulation Force) is better than the first one... The evangelistic power of this film is awesome! Characters repeatedly come to Christ in powerfully acted and compelling scenes... Fans of the book Tribulation Force will be especially pleased with the film's faithfulness to their favorite scenes... I love it when dedicated teams of Christians make quality Christian films like Left Behind II: Tribulation Force." ...

To begin with, one thing has to be made perfectly clear: a novel and a movie are two completely different forms of artistic expression. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised with the movie TRIBULATION FORCE. I really was expecting to totally hate the movie because the book it's based on is nothing more than a glorified romantic novel set against the backdrop of the Tribulation (I think the only reason TRIBULATION FORCE was written was to increase the female readership of the series). However, this movie is better than LEFT BEHIND, correcting mistakes made in that film. Also the filmmakers took enough liberties to make the film much more enjoyable to watch than the book was to read.

The acting in TRIBULATION FORCE is much better than in LEFT BEHIND. Kirk Cameron and Clarence Gilyard were tiers above their fellow performers in the first movie. Their performances still outshine everyone else, but the rest of the cast has developed some acting skills and their characters seem like real people rather than the wooden cut-outs they appeared to be in LEFT BEHIND. The movie's plot is more tight-knitted and not as jumpy as in LEFT BEHIND. The dialogue isn't as cheesy and much of the inexpensive production values are hidden with creative and clever cinematographical tricks.

However, though TRIBULATION FORCE is an improvement upon LEFT BEHIND, the movie makes several mistakes the prevent it from being as good and powerful as it could have been. The mysterious wandering angel was unnecessary and distracting. Her presence isn't justified and there are much better ways that could have explained how Buck visited the Western Wall (a simple scene of praying hands coming together e.g.). The character of Tsion Ben-Judah was highly underdeveloped and the fact that he wasn't a Christian before seeing the two prophets irrated me greatly. Finally, even though the purpose of this film is evangelism, I found that there were too many scenes of witnessing and conversion. The movie would have been more entertaining and therefore reach a wider audience if the only salvation scenes would have been the service at the church and Raymond's talk with his friend.

As a movie, TRIBULATION FORCE is a decent film. It is better than both LEFT BEHIND and the TRIBULATION FORCE novel. The movie is also a better piece of evangelism than the movie LEFT BEHIND. The novice filmmakers are becoming better movie magicians and hopefully if they continue the series, they will again improve in their craft and make a film worthy of showing in movie theatres around the world.

Left Behind II is better, because the producers realized they had tried to do too much with the first film. Like the Apocalypse series, the Left Behind movies do best with church audiences and those who are interested in Christian spirituality. This sequel embraces this reality, and is better for it. Additionally, the first film tried to pack an entire novel into 94 minutes, resulting in a disjointed and confusing plot--not good for a story that is based on the complexities of end times theology! #2 breaks the Tribulation Force novel in half, and does a much better job of telling the tale.

Several of the characters blossomed in this sequel. Chloe's anger, determination and tenderness come through more naturally this time. Nicolae seems older and more malevolent, without becoming an exaggerated persona. Great stuff! Both Captain Steele and Pastor Bruce also seem to catch their stride this time.

On the down side, there is less tension this time. The film feels more like a TV series, than a action-suspense movie. The pace is a bit plodding.

In one word, Left Behind II was "interesting," and as such garners three stars.

I received the DVD version of Tribulation Force and found it to be by far better than the first video, Left Behind.
The characters play their parts with realism. This video is a must. It declares the plan of salvation far better than any christian movie I have ever seen. The DVD has outtakes and bloopers as well as many other enjoyable clips to watch. Watching the movie once just isn't enough. This movie is good to show the family and friends. You want be disappointed.The video also gives visuals to those who have been reading the books making the books more enjoyable.

By now fans will realize the film doesn't follow the books exactly. Those of us who have seen books made into films know this is not unusual (for example, see "The Hunt For Red October" and then read the book ... you'll be surprised). But it is a fair adaptation of the material.

In general, the dialogue moves along a little better than the first film. There are more special effects and they are well done. For those concerned about Biblical content, especially in relation to the presentation of the Gospel, you need not worry. Though several verses are combined, the material is presented in proper context throughout the film.

The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 make their appearance in this film. Also, Tsion ben Judah delivers his startling announcement regarding Messianic Prophecies from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Virtually all original cast members have reprised their roles and the Gospel is clearly presented, but without "hitting someone over the head with a Bible". Nonetheless, there will still be those who criticize the "Bible thumping" aspect of the film. So be it.

...

The DVD version of the film includes quite a lot of bonus material, so if possible, make the jump to DVD if you haven't already. The cinematography is worthy of digital processing. However I did not see a wide-screen version available at this time.

If you liked the first one, then you'll like this one even better. If you didn't like the first one, try try again.

I have read the left behind books and watched the DVDs Left behind 1 and Left behind 2,these movies go hand in hand,2 very well directed movies,unlike alot of movies that are inspired by books that are very far apart,the Left Behind movies go with the Left Behind books real close,i like the way "The Tribulation Force" takes effect one week after Left Behind,the first movies starts,i will be buying the 3rd Left Behind movie soon,however these movies are part Biblical,thier still fiction,some is true,most isn't
however the entire Left Behind series is very entertaining,the only bad thing i can say about the series is i hope it don't give false hope to people thinking after Christs second coming that they can still go to Heaven(my wife and i fight about that one alot,LOL)
but unlike alot of follow up movies,"The Tribulation Force" is i would say better then the first movie

I just finished watching this incredible film. I'm glad that the Gospel was presented so clearly. The parts about the fireman and Ivy were especially moving. The world needs more films like this! I hope they make more!