Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist

This dramatic movie is now available to stream on Video on Demand.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 55 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: D

IN A NUTSHELL:

The only light after the world falls into chaos is a charming new leader who rises to the head of the United Nations, but does he bring hope for a better future or is it the end of the world?

The movie was written by Paul Lalonde, Jessica Parker, and John Patus.

I really wanted to like this movie because, as a Christian, I think it’s important to support films that try to promote Biblical principles. Unfortunately, the movie just isn’t very good.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’ve always been a fan of Kevin Sorbo and I admire that he has tried to support Christian films by starring in them, as well as directing them. His son and wife are in the movie!
Other famous actors in the movie include Corbin Bernsen and Neal McDonough. The rest of the cast was mostly unfamiliar to me.
The movie tries to blend an interesting plot that imagines what those “left behind” are doing to figure out the mysterious vanishings around the world with moments when Christianity can be taught to any nonbelievers watching the film. Because this is a sequel, the film pretty much preaches to the choir. That being said, a lot of Christians have been losing faith and leaving churches in recent years, so this could serve as fodder for conversations that could possibly bring them back to Christ.
It’s fascinating how the writers (Paul Lalonde, Jessica Parker, and John Patus) visualize the anti-Christ to be.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie assumes you have seen all of the prior films in this franchise. New viewers will be confused about the characters and what happened prior to these events. There is a lot of talk about the “Rapture” that happened, which new viewers will wonder about.
There is a portrayal of Jesus in a character’s dream. I picture Jesus with a smile, not the serious frown shown.
There are some really bad, overacting moments, as well as underacting moments where actors just sit around with no reaction.
The movie definitely looks and feels low-budget. In fact, it is. They only spent $3.5 million, which was the salary amount they paid Nicolas Cage when he did the 2014 Left Behind movie.
This is the 6th movie in the Left Behind franchise, and they’re not getting better.
There’s a scene where a TV announcer talks about the huge reactions of excited fans when a political leader walks out of a building. She says, “Just listen to the crowd!” The camera pans to the area where about 30 people are robotically cheering.
The rhythmic music and sound effects in the background are often really annoying.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Most kids will be really bored because the bulk of the movie is just adults talking.
There’s a lot of snarky humor.
Talk of death.
Talk of God.

THEMES:

A one-world government, New World Order
The Christian Rapture
Family
Truth
Faith in Jesus Christ
Hope
Saving souls

FUNNY LINES:
None worth noting. It’s a pretty serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“And I wouldn’t be too quick to sign up for a vanishings vaccine either.” – Buck (Greg Perrow)
“Never let a good crisis go to waste, right?” – Cothran (Paul Cowling)
“News is no longer about truth; it’s a message.” – Buck (Greg Perrow)