Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (DVD, 2002)

LaHaye books aside, LB II is one of the best Christian films made. Apocalyptic/rapture films generally flop, but this one is not laden with a Christian escapism. LB II is refreshing and worth its 94 minutes. It is a B-movie that is not super-preachy.

Though there are Velveeta moments, this film has heart. Many evangelical films focus on convincing the audience to convert. In such cases, the thrust is the conversion experience itself, not necessarily the person converting. The filmmakers of LB II were trying to connect with people, not just achieve a conversion through emotional manipulation. LB II makes a statement, the statement that Jesus Christ is the Savior and all of us have a purpose. It does not bark orders and command repentance like some other “evangelical” films.

The biggest detractors in this film, for me, are the one-emotion salvation scenes. Why do so many Christian films have a salvation scene where the repentant parties burst into tears? I wish a film would represent salvation as a joyful experience, rather than an introspective, tear-laden ordeal. Salvation is about God saving us, not making us guilt-ridden co-dependants.

CHARACTERS/PLOT: The film tightens the focus onto five characters: the four-member Tribulation Force and the Antichrist.

Kirk Cameron's character, Buck Williams, is the most accessible TF member. Other than the fact that he's an anchor conversing world leaders in a leather jacket (where's the suit and tie?), his character is largely believable.

Gordon Currie, who plays Nicolae “the Antichrist” Carpathia, has several convincing moments. He outlines the psychology of the world’s “need” for the Antichrist and one religion. This is one of the stronger points of this film. However, Nicolae’s repeated monologues and forced European accent downgrade his menacing presence from world kingpin to cheesy villain.

Brad Johnson’s character, pilot Ray Steele, plays the role of Chloe’s father well. Unfortunately, his internal conflicts resolve too quickly (i.e., in ten minutes). His conversation about pain with a friend on the edge of suicide is begins well, but dissolves into predictable banter with a weepy ending. The dialogues with Buck and Chloe are his best scenes.

In the first film, Janaya Stephens' character, Chloe Steele, grappled with deeper spiritual issues, such as God's existence and His purpose in the rapture. In this second film, Chloe transforms from being a questioning truth-seeker into a jealous would-be girlfriend. The romantic relationship with Buck is her primary emphasis.

Clarence Gilyard's character, Pastor Bruce Barnes, has some good moments. Overall, though, he portrays a two-dimensional talking head. The internal conflicts he experienced in the first film are missing in this sequel. Note: the Extended Scenes 4 Horsemen section has his best preaching.

VELVEETA: For being a UN leader, Nicolae has all the security of a town mayor. Bruce Steele simply saunters into the UN hangar. “Hadi, I want to pilot Nicolae’s plane.” “OK.” Next scene: Bruce flying World Unity One. Steele waltzes around World Unity One at will, copying classified information and spying on Nicolae through cracked doors.

The two witnesses come across as ancient Judeo-Christian extraterrestrials. They sit in the corner of the Wailing Wall for a week, waiting for Buck and Ben-Judah. Where do they sleep, eat, or go to the bathroom?

Where is international news anchor Buck William’s cameraman? GNN cutbacks are rough!

Arguably the most interesting and compelling feature in the Left Behind trilogy, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force finds the series' major characters--television journalist Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron), passenger jet captain Rayford Steele (Brad Johnson), his daughter Chloe (Janaya Stephens), and Pastor Bruce Barnes (Clarence Gilyard)--forming the core of a group dedicated to infiltrating and disrupting operations of the Anti-Christ, i.e., Nicolae Carpathia (a scary Gordon Currie), who has become leader of a world government. Meanwhile, humankind looks increasingly desolate and bleak, as the reality sinks in that hundreds of millions of people who suddenly vanished--including all the world's children--in the last film are not coming back. Veteran television director Bill Corcoran makes much of his scant resources to paint an apocalyptic vision, and when the film gets to indulge in some nifty effects (a pair of fire-breathing prophets--literally), the result is powerful. Drama, relationships, character development, and performances are quite smooth and should appeal to Christian and non-Christian viewers alike.

WONDERFUL FILM!!
Best one!!!
Kirk Cameron and Janaya Stephens do an EXCEPTIONAL job of bringing the characters and story to life!!!!
Be sure to see all three films
Left Behind: The Movie
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force
Left Behind III: World at War

All are WONDERFUL FILMS
but the 2nd is the BEST in my opion!!!

First, I want to note that I have never read any of the books in this series. My wife and I are new Christians, and we received the first movie as a gift from a loving family member. After seeing part one.. we just had to see part two!

This movie is about the rapture and those that are "left behind". The production quality, acting, music, etc is much better than the first movie. It seems the success of the first movie inspired the studio to dump more money into this one.. it pays off big in my opinion.

I don't want to give away too much about the movie.. I hate reading spoilers and giving them is just as bad. This movie is a thought provoking sequel and I would suspect that the majority of non-Christians will find the movie worth the watch. One of the few sequels that I've seen that are better than the original. I am told by those that have read the book, that it is a bit of a let down, but that could be said about nearly all movies based upon books.

Bottom Line: Christian or not, this is a good movie worth the time and money. Just make sure you've seen the first in the series before you watch this one or you'll be lost.

I BOUGHT IT SO THAT I WOULD HAVE THE SEQUEL TO LEFT BEHIND I BUT WAS GLAD THAT I DID. I ENJOYED IT GREATLY AND IT MADE ME NOT WANT TO HAVE TO LIVE THRU THE TRIBULATION! END TIMES ARE SO VERY INTERESTING AND WE ARE SO-O-O CLOSE TO THE END OF TIME............DON'T WAIT AND BE CAUGHT W/O GOD IN YOUR LIFE!