(star) 1/2
Biblical rapture comes knockin’ in “Left Behind,” as millions of people disappear from the face of the Earth. Those who don’t share faith in God come home to empty houses and silly dialogue.
Kirk Cameron (remember TV’s “Growing Pains”?) heads a cast of B movie actors in a film based on the popular “Left Behind” books, which dramatize biblical apocalyptic scripture.
“Left Behind” is better paced than “what if” religious movies like “The Seventh Sign” and “Stigmata.” But its second act probably will leave secular audiences behind.
Instead of proposing that this is, indeed, God’s prophesy — and what it means — characters simply point to an in-hand Bible and say, “It’s all in here.”
Thinly veiled religious propaganda parading as cinema, “Left Behind” — which was released on video in December and now to theaters — looks slick on a small budget but preaches to the choir. Christian moviegoers might find the film interesting, but secular viewers may feel alienated and belittled by it.
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“Left Behind” opens Friday. Running time: 1:35. MPAA rating: PG-13 (violence).
