"Final Destination 2," 90 min., USA, English (2003)

Horror/Thriller/Comedy

(3 stars)

Looking for a movie that pokes fun at trying to cheat death? This one is it!

It begins with a young lady having visions of people dying and so begins her quest to 'unravel the clues' (and showing others what 'signs' to watch for) and therefore decipher how and when the next person will die--then trying to figure out how to prevent it.

Ultimately, the movie seems to toy with the age-old idea of 'is one's destiny written and unchangable' or 'does one make one's own destiny' by a series of life choices. Also, this is not a purely a horror movie nor a thriller, as while it will engage the viewer's mind (those who choose to try to figure out the pattern), the manner in which several characters die is somewhat improbable at times; in fact, in several instances the way in which they die and what events cause their untimely passing are quite hilarious (i.e., they die VERY well! ).

As for what else the movie pokes fun at, it's almost as if it partly attempts a parody of "Charmed," with one of the witches having visions/premonitions, then a group of characters attempt to save 'innocents' from the untimely intervention of the grim reaper. I imagine there are more integrated and hidden references to other horror/fantasy movies, but only seasoned horror movie fans may spot those other hidden jabs.

If you're expecting a pure horror flick, this isn't it. However, if you are expecting a rather unique blend of a little horror, part thriller and part comedy, this is your flick. Not a bad one to watch--despite the sometimes too far-fetched manners/causes of death.