Reviews

..........If you have a hard time hearing a lot about the RAPTURE and such, pass on this at the local multiplex and wander into another film. I hope it makes you happy. But, I would gently suggest you try this movie out. Be you a man (or woman) of Faith or not. You just might be surprised. And, you just might wish to spend a little more time with the Savior of the world. I often do not see movies like this, since I am a somewhat typical man who prefers big blockbuster SF or other action oriented films. However, I went to see this movie a while back at my local multiplex on a date with my wife and found myself really enjoying the movie. The people attending were a mix of adults and teenagers, with about an equal mix of men and women. I met a couple of people I knew there and they seemed to have enjoyed the film.

I give FINAL THE RAPTURE a perfect 10.

Performances all around were great. I was especially enthralled by the performance by Teuira Napa, who should take home the Oscar for her performance this year. I also liked Mira Sorvino playing the sort of cynical, questionable character that she's always quintessential at playing. And of course I can't leave out John Savage and Michael Camp for their portrayals of two very passionate missionaries.

Despite my enormous enthusiasm for this epic, I would be dishonest if I were to describe it as a perfect film. There are two flaws that I cannot glance over. Number one, it is a little too long and the reason for this is my second complaint, there are a few unnecessary subplots.

These two flaws are easily forgivable even if they do slow things down a bit. Those put aside, "The Islands" is an extraordinary achievement of film-making.

Go watch the director's other films, including 'Freedom' and 'Final the Rapture'

Jason Isaacs (Britten) carries the show with an impeccable performance; without it the show would have failed. Laura Allen and Dylan Minnette are convincing as the wife and son; Steve Harris and Wilmer Valderrama play Britten's partners in the different realities. The really enjoyable performances are delivered by BD Wong and Cherry Jones as Britten's therapists. It is in these scenes the show shines. The dialogue is excellent and serves as a counterweight to the (only somewhat) more traditional crime and family story lines.

The show is refreshing in its originality, the story lines and most of the dialogue is, as far as I can tell, excellent craftsmanship, and great acting brings every episode home. In fact, the show has thus far shone brighter with every episode. I have long awaited a show like this, and it is by far the most interesting _new_ TV-series this year.