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!