I remember walking into “Left Behind” with a fresh perspective, an unbiased few of the content, and hoping Nicolas Cage could carry a film like he once could do. After about ten minutes all of my low expectations were shattered, actually obliterated.

Nicolas Cage portrays family man-pilot Rayford Steele, after a last second addition to his manifest, he takes a job flying to London over his birthday. Where he must leave his daughter Chloe (Cassi Thomson), wife (Leah Thompson) and Son. Without warning people start disappearing all over the world (gasp!) what could it be?…A bird?..a plane? oh wait.. it’s the supposed biblical prophecy they call “The Rapture”. This causes the world to spiral out of control (or maybe it’s really because of the movie they’re all stuck in). Cars crashing, buildings collapsing..all these events looked more enduring than watching this movie for a second time.

Based on the best selling novels of the same name I can’t imagine what the author was thinking auctioning his piece to such a low bidder. The studio (Freestyle Releasing) doesn’t know how to handle a property with so much catastrophe and destruction. The crew tries very hard to take many Roland Emmerich-esq thrills and make them believable. I never cared about the integrity of the characters, and I was actually jealous when people started vanishing.

Nicolas Cage leads the cast, and believe me, that’s not saying much. The emotional caliber he tries to infuse into his role is severely overdone. Jordin Sparks, yes the singer, has a few lines or two. Most teen enthusiasts will recognize “One Tree Hill” heartthrob Chad Michael Murray as the investigative journalist determined to find answers. Murray, actually was the greater strength within the confines of a terribly adapted screenplay. If any character had any depth or justification, Murray’s was that.

On a budget of $16 million I’d expect director, Vic Armstrong to utilize this and make for an encapturing third act conclusion. Instead we get a flimsy, made for theaters cartoon that should have been aired as a Lifetime special. Fans of the book may find solace..while I found myself running to medicine cabinet to pop two aspirins. Don’t get “Left Behind” with these imbeciles.

F

Directed By: Vic Armstrong

Rated: PG13

Runtime: 105 mins

Release Date: October 3rd 2014

Studio: Freestyle Releasing

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