Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist (2023) User Reviews

Im embarrassed

[SpiritMechanic · 3/10 · 30 January 2023]

Oh my.

I so wanted to give this movie at least 5 stars when i saw the preview. Not going to happen sorry to say. Look, like i have said before, i rate movies on what the movie is trying to do.

I really don't know what this movie was trying to do. It was all over the place, messy, preachy, bad acting, horrible writing, and way too much propaganda even if it was true and needed to be said. It was just done completely wrong and misplaced. On top of all that, it preached to the choir. I imagined being unsaved watching this movie, and i felt NO emotional content to keep me attached. I actually felt embarrassed as a christian seeing how we are being portrayed in some of these christian movies. I'm grieved having to say this, but these kinds of movies give us a bad name and push people away more than grabbing their attention and wanting more information. So so sad.

Many other people on this review board have already said things that I don't need to repeat but are true. Some reviews are just plain rude to the Christian faith and are totally ignorant of anything biblical even though they sound educated.

Also like i have said before, i hate to leave bad reviews for christian movies. But i have to do what i have to do. Sorry, not sorry.

There are some really bad, overacting moments, as well as underacting moments where actors just sit around with no reaction.

[trinaboice · 3/10 · 27 October 2023]

IN A NUTSHELL: The only light after the world falls into chaos is a charming new leader who rises to the head of the United Nations, but does he bring hope for a better future or is it the end of the world?

The movie was written by Paul Lalonde, Jessica Parker, and John Patus.

I really wanted to like this movie because, as a Christian, I think it's important to support films that try to promote Biblical principles. Unfortunately, the movie just isn't very good.

THINGS I LIKED: I've always been a fan of Kevin Sorbo and I admire that he has tried to support Christian films by starring in them, as well as directing them. His son and wife are in the movie!

Other famous actors in the movie include Corbin Bernsen and Neal McDonough. The rest of the cast was mostly unfamiliar to me.

The movie tries to blend an interesting plot that imagines what those "left behind" are doing to figure out the mysterious vanishings around the world with moments when Christianity can be taught to any nonbelievers watching the film. Because this is a sequel, the film pretty much preaches to the choir. That being said, a lot of Christians have been losing faith and leaving churches in recent years, so this could serve as fodder for conversations that could possibly bring them back to Christ.

It's fascinating how the writers (Paul Lalonde, Jessica Parker, and John Patus) visualize the anti-Christ to be.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The movie assumes you have seen all of the prior films in this franchise. New viewers will be confused about the characters and what happened prior to these events. There is a lot of talk about the "Rapture" that happened, which new viewers will wonder about.

There is a portrayal of Jesus in a character's dream. I picture Jesus with a smile, not the serious frown shown.

There are some really bad, overacting moments, as well as underacting moments where actors just sit around with no reaction.

The movie definitely looks and feels low-budget. In fact, it is. They only spent $3.5 million, which was the salary amount they paid Nicolas Cage when he did the 2014 Left Behind movie.

This is the 6th movie in the Left Behind franchise, and they're not getting better.

There's a scene where a TV announcer talks about the huge reactions of excited fans when a political leader walks out of a building. She says, "Just listen to the crowd!" The camera pans to the area where about 30 people are robotically cheering.

The rhythmic music and sound effects in the background are often really annoying.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Most kids will be really bored because the bulk of the movie is just adults talking.

There's a lot of snarky humor Talk of death.

Talk of God.

!

Love the Actors, But That Isn't Enough.

[guy-372 · 4/10 · 27 January 2023]

Touted as "Based on a true story that hasn't happened yet", this additional adaptation to Tim LaHaye's Left Behind series of books should be understood as a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" as it again fleeces the sheep on behalf of poor Bible understanding. A main principle of Bible understanding or any understanding is that what is most strongly known must guide and inform what is less strongly known and that must guide what is then speculated.

The idea that "millions of living people will be raptured" a thousand years before the end of the world, before the end of the Millennium (Thousand Year Reign over Earth by Jesus), and before the Tribulation contradicts the clear and most strongly known and understood Revelation 20 passage, which indicates that only those who have been executed for Jesus' sake will rule with Christ for the Millennium.

I can understand how appealing, attractive, and comforting a "Rapture" before the Great Tribulation would be; and how motivating it might be for evangelism, as I was also taught it while spiritually young and immature. Unfortunately, this relatively young doctrinal teaching solidly contradicts foretelling-scripture, which can be very confusing for the spiritually immature. The idea of such "rapture" was not even known in Christianity until invented in 1909 by Cyrus I. Scofield.

Bible scripture has no teaching of "rapture", even at 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. The mistranslation to "rapture" of these advocates is of the word meaning "snatched-out", which was previously used in scripture to refer to the one who was "back-slidden", being corrected and therefore rescued, similar to being "snatched-out" of the flames of Hell. Earth and humanity's final destruction in Hell, as we clearly see in Revelation 20-24 doesn't occur until after the Millennium. Along with poor scriptural understanding of End-Times with the faulty idea of the "rapture", this movie suppresses correct understanding of scripture, and fails to recognize the standard technique of foretelling scripture's use of conjunctions, such as 1 Thessalonians 4:17's "then", which in foretelling prophesies indicate "a significant gap in time", "change of scene", or usually both of these.

Although I was encouraged to be reminded to watch out for the Antichrist, this movie seems to do more to placate Believers to not study foretelling scripture more deeply. A good story isn't what is primarily necessary when truth is needed.

Horrendous Disappointment

[kurtmichael · 2/10 · 29 January 2023]

As a devout Christian and a longtime fan of the Left Behind book franchise, I was exceedingly disappointed in this film. I had high hopes for this, but the quality of this film was just bad, even by B-movie standards. The pace of the film is pedestrian at best, it only bares a passing resemblance to the literary source material, and the whole film is essentially just a clumsy and transparent allegory for Kevin Sorbo's viewpoint on the COVID pandemic. I've enjoyed many of Sorbo's other Christian films, but this one was just awful. I genuinely hope they don't try to make any further Left Behind films.

The Christian Doctrine is more-or-less accurate, but the film's message of salvation is completely lost in the fog of constant political jabs and one-liners that only serve to turn-off anyone who does not share Sorbo's anti-vax COVID conspiracy opinions.

To say I was disappointed in this film would be an understatement. There was so much potential for this film to genuinely reach out and bring people to Christ, but instead, it only serves to solidify the far-right opinions of those who already share the political viewpoints of Kevin Sorbo. But for those who do not share those opinions, this movie will only push nonbelievers away from the Cross by portraying the Christian Faith as nothing but a mouthpiece for the far-right political agenda.

The love of Jesus Christ in this film is horrendously overshadowed by the political petulance of His "followers."

Do not show this film to someone who is on the fence about giving his/her life to Christ - this movie will only push them away.

Terrible

[cindiatgzg · 2/10 · 30 January 2023]

What a waste.

It was so bad.

Don't bother.

I read the books and this isn't anywhere near as good.

Screenplay not true to the books. More like a documentary. Actually I think they needed to decide was it a movie or a documentary????

Writing horrible and the acting isn't great.

Actually the acting was flat.

Poor production

What an utter disappointment

It felt like a Kevin Sorbo vanity project that the producers wasted money on, and so I wish I had not wasted my money or time in going to see this film. In wouldn't recommend it to anyone

Its not for children it will scare them, scare them.

Can I get a refund??

[lawrenceadamj · 1/10 · 30 January 2023]

If you enjoy political propaganda stuffed down your throat then this movie is a must see. Personally I'd like a refund and the 2 hours of my life back! This movie was hot trash! Stick to the teachings of the bible and leave your political bias out of it! Kevin Sorbo should be ashamed this movie filmed under the guise of showing people the "light" seemed more like brainwashing/christian programming rather than the type of film it should've been. I'm embarrassed for every actor and actress that appeared in the "B" rated flop! I'd advise you to watch ANY other film that has come before this awful and worthless remake as it has much better value for your time!

NEEDS TO BE A SERIES!

[janarooke · 8/10 · 5 December 2023]

I read all the books when each would hit the stores. I think it is very brave to have several attempts at putting the Left Behind series on film. It is a lot of characters, their backgrounds and events to put into one movie. And this is only the first book! The casting was great. But it is hard to get deep into the characters, but that is a length of film thing again.

The "preachy" part was really nominal! This was not a hammer to the head evangelical movie. The movie covered political one world aspects just as much as Rapture explanations. Loved how they updated the references and what a particular character did with media, etc to push an agenda.

This movie is just too short! A series for a season or two on Prime would be great! Thank you to all the cast. Sorry to say but in the sorry climate of Hollywood these days, you will probably not get cast again for a major film. You all did a great job!

This movie is caught in an IMDB Rating war

[Randy-Dreammaker · 6/10 · 12 June 2023]

Massive attempt to discredit Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist via, the IMDB Ratings. 80% are unreliable as shown if you click the score.

Skewed either far towards the right at 10 stars or far to the left at 1 stars.

This is what happens when those who hate a movies message attack it via movie rating systems and those who support its message compensate against the attack.

In reality this movie scores a decent 6 IMDB stars.

It has decent cinematography, decent acting, it gets a little slow in spots, but otherwise mostly enjoyable.

Working against this movie is the anti-Christian cancel culture Twitter mob who hate Kevin Sorbo for his public openness about his Christian faith where he heavily promoted this movie.

Second thing working against it, is this is basically the third reboot attempt of this movie series. Of all three reboots, this may be the best of those based on the first book.

The best of all the reboots and sequels to date however is Left Behind: World At War which has exceptional production quality.

If you enjoy end time movies, faith based movies, family friendly movies then you will probably enjoy Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist.

If nothing else, this movie will leave you feeling as though you are living through aspects of the story in the present. It's message and social outlook is very present day.

Don't do it

[russbdenny · 1/10 · 5 February 2023]

Just...No! I gave it a go, I really did, but this is far worse than I could have imagined. Jihad envy a plenty and more MAGA propaganda than a Mar-a-Lago cookout. If you want a decent biblical end-times movie-fest, go and rent The Omen (1, 2 and 3) - this puerile offering by Kevin Sorbo et al is simply fundamentalist self-pleasuring mixed with delusion and magical thinking - do not waste your time. As much as it pains me to say it the previous versions of the Left Behind movies with Kirk Cameron were at least watchable! There may be a way to bring non-believers into the fold, but listening to Hercules preach at you is not going to do it. Also what was Neal McDonough thinking?

If you choose to ignore my warning and if this sort of thing is your bag (baby) then go and read the books that this is based on, they at least have adequate writing and interesting characters - and there are 16 of them, so plenty fodder for those who absolutely yearn for the end times.

Just Know That Most Every Negative Was Written by a Hater

[rebeltaz-18705 · 8/10 · 17 September 2023]

If you read the negative comments, you will get a picture of the average writer. They do not like Kevin Sorbo, his politics, his religion or apparently even his existence. I seriously doubt any of the even watched the movie.

Is this movie "preaching to the choir?" Well, yeah. Of course it is. Isn't every movie with a point preaching to the choir? Unless you already agree with the message of the movie, you aren't going to be watching it. That goes for any movie on either side of any topic. I'm not going to go watch some leftist movie anymore than I would expect anyone other than a Christian to be watching this movie.

Yes, it does focus more on the political side of the Antichrist. That is going to be a main element of the End Times. Revelation speaks of a One World Government. Prophecy speaks of the political climate in the End Times. So why WOULDN'T this movie also delve into that aspect?

Some have called it, "too preachy." Again... It's a Christian movie. What else would you expect? Anyone who didn't expect a "preachy" movie going into it, must have thought they were going to be watching something else all together different.

I will also admit that the movie feels rushed. But... they were trying to fit a lot into two hours. I would have really preferred this been a TV series. THAT would have been awesome. But... it is what it is.

Anyone who has read any of my other reviews should already know what I hated about this movie... Even though this was not a "big budget hollywood production," apparently they took cues for the other guys... BUY A FREAKING LIGHT BULB!!! Every single scene is lit with on;y sunlight as illumination. In the TV producers' office, we see a shot that is angled upwards and not a single one of the florescent tubes are lit. The whole movie is filmed like this. I don't know where all of these people went to film school but for the love of God... please stop it! Light a scene, already!

One final thought... while I agree with the theology of the movie, I do not agree with the timeline. If you read Matthew 24, Jesus Himself tells his Disciples that the good and the evil will be taken together in the End Times. Any Rapture will not occur PER-Tribulation.

If you like the books on which this is based; if you want to see a wholesome movie; if you just like Kevin Sorbo... go watch this and ignore all the haters. Better yet... better get used to them. It'll only get worse...

Not for everyone

[alfredbullock · 6/10 · 12 March 2023]

In response to the first review. I would encourage you to speak your truth, but to do so with love and kindness. I don't believe you can blame a marginal movie for people being pushed away from belief, but rather the lack of kindness, hypocrisy, and poor attitudes of those who do believe. We are called to lift up good things and principles not to pick holes in them and. Publicly shame our brothers and sisters. This movie wholely accomplished something innately good. It's not for everyone, and certainly was not the best writing or acting, but It had a clear and engaging storyline and narrative. Although I would not give it a glowing review, I will say in my opinion it was much more engaging and believable that its predecessors. The start was a bit slow, but began to build within the first 15 minutes.

Embarassing

[Jmedlin93 · 1/10 · 1 March 2023]

There should have been someone to just say no at some point in the development of this film. Unfortunately, that never happened. The result is an ultimately messy flick that does nothing good. The only plus is its not as bad as the Nicholas Cage one, but that bar is quite low. The script is messy. Character development is nonexistant. The symbolism is as subtle as a baseball bat. Not even the actors give believable performances. Part of that could be attributed to the abyssmal script, but part can also be directed to a director who has yet to prove they have any idea of what makes an enjoyable movie. Dont waste your time with this one. Youd be better off killing those brain cells by sniffing paint fumes.

Why?

[ericaharris1908 · 1/10 · 10 March 2023]

Why do they keep remaking the first movie? There are over 12+ books in the Left Behind series why not continue the series? Why keep remaking the 1st movie, and badly? The version with Nicholas Cage- terrible. Now this one with Kevin Sorbo terrible- terrible acting, terrible character presentation, terrible story line, terrible changes to the source material, boring. This movie made the mistake of telling instead of showing. No character development and not showing the events before the rapture, the reactions of the characters Ray and Chloe didn't make any sense and there was no sense of how grieved they were to lose Irene and Raymie was properly portrayed by the actors. The Buck actor's portrayal was just annoying. I was just annoyed throughout watching the movie. The Kirk Cameron 2000 version may not be perfect, but it is a thousand times better than any of these versions.

Leave this Movie Behind

[disnotbetty-10195 · 1/10 · 3 April 2023]

As the movie opens we are told that six months ago millions of people all over the world have vanished without a trace leaving behind many love ones with no answers to where they have gone or taken. Where are all the missing people? The news media has debunked the possibility that this was the "Rapture" of the church.

We are also Told that the entire world seems to fallen into total chaos. Crime is rampant and there is a surge in violence and suicides.

Then a leader appears. He is Nicolae, a charismatic leader of the United Nations. Nicolae seems to have all the answers to the world's problem that will bring them out of total confusion and disorder. He will form a new world order.

I really struggled to watch this movie. Not only was it so slow but the movie spent so much time telling me what is happening instead of showing me. And I really wanted to see the rapture!

The film is directed and stars Kevin Sorbo and Neil McDonald and I really wanted to like this movie, but it is very badly made. It looks and feels very low budget. Also some of the characters are just random.. who are they? Where do they come from? Buck, the news reporter is just totally unconvincing, a bit aggravating, and quite annoying at times.

The entire movie is just really disappointing. Maybe I should just read the books.

Hot, smelly, garbage

[sabriyasowers · 1/10 · 12 March 2023]

Boring, poor script, weird attempt to link COVID to it as some sort of message, acting wooden, no heart and no real God in this movie. This is all man made garbage. Stop making the same movie over and over the move forward with the others books. It's weird to see the same remake. These people have no creativity or biblical foundation to make this movie. Feels like a movie grab for the people who already are "Christians" and not a tool to share the gospel. It's also not a tool to entertain. What is this mess? Kevin Sorbo just seems out of touch and thinks he had a special message but nobody is hearing it .

Best Adaptation Yet...

[lisa-cangelosi · 9/10 · 2 October 2023]

...because it incorporates all of the current events, archetypes of world leaders and technologies into the storyline.

I loved the updated Buck character and the redux of what the Eden Project was all about. It was also nice to see how apologetics was used throughout. There was a balance of action and depth.

The only reason I gave it a 9 instead of 10 is because a couple of the supporting characters were a little weak. Plus, (I watched it at home via Prime) whoever did the subtitles mislabeled several things. Some were important. This needs to be corrected.

I definitely hope that Sorbo continues with the series. I'll be purchasing it if he does!!!

Don't believe the haters

[mxcbjbqvw · 7/10 · 26 February 2023]

I'm near certain that the people who left negative reviews didn't actually see "Rise of the Antichrist." Instead, they were either fed talking points or are using this platform to spew invective against Christians in general. Basically, the movie posits a way in which the Tribulation can actually start. I stay away from "end times, because technically, we've been in the end times since Christ ascended from the Mount of Olives. Contrary to what one person wants you to believe, there is no racism. In fact, the movie makes a strong case for racial harmony and unity. "Rise of the Antichrist" takes current events and suggests how the ease with which people gave up freedoms and critical thinking could return with much more dire consequences. This is the way it COULD happen, not necessarily WILL happen. This is much better than many Christian movies, and you may even consider looking for it on a streaming platform. Do yourself a favor: see it. You'll have done more than at least half of the "reviewers " here.

DISAPPOINTED!

[jaysoned · 1/10 · 5 February 2023]

Went with my mom because she wanted to see it. Terrible story, acting and pacing. It's weird that the positive reviews are about Christ instead of the movie at all and they even get the actors names completely wrong.

I'd say the only good part is Neal McDonough who plays Johnathon, but that's only because he plays the same person in all movies he's in and it's entertaining to watch.

This was even worse than the Kirk Cameron movie. Don't waste your time. Not even on streaming.

Well since this review needs to be a certain amount of characters let me just say that I find it hilarious Keven Sorbo goes on TV and is completely antivax, but is so hard up for work in movies he got vaccinated to be in this. Either that or he's just full of it.

I have seen every adaptation and this is the best!

[beccaclark84 · 10/10 · 28 August 2023]

I wasn't sure if this was going to be good based on other reviews, but I've seen every adaptation based off of the books and this is by far the best! I love how they kept with the books, but updated to today's world! I hope there are more to come! Kevin Sorbo did phenomenal in this movie! I honestly can't say enough good about this movie! It was an awesome Christian Thriller, even though I knew what was supposed to happen based off the books, I was still excited and on the edge of my seat! If you open your mind and your heart, this movie can bring you to the Truth. I highly recommend it despite all of the other reviews saying that it wasn't good.

Probably the best adaptation of the books so far

[vanheath · 6/10 · 28 January 2023]

As a believer in Jesus Christ and in the teaching of the rapture. I would love to give this movie a 10/10, however I can't just be biased, I have to give a review based on being a movie, so here it goes:

The short review:

Best adaptation of the book series yet. Fans of the books will really enjoy. People not familiar with the books will find it a little cumbersome to get into it right away.

The long review:

The screenplay was very true to the books (at least from what I remember form 20 years ago)

The casting of characters is good and the actors all hold their roles very well for the most part.

Pacing was an issue for me. Some parts felt like it was moving too quickly and others seemed to drag. At one point I remember becoming un-immersed in the movie and wondering how much longer we had. But right after that moment the pacing started flowing really well and I was engaged the rest of the way through.

On the cinematography side there are scenes in an office that have a strange filter that feels like looking through a black stocking over the lens and it gives the shots a dark body outline.

On the plus side there are some nice visual and audio effects used to highlight the corruption and spiritual forces when the Antichrist is present and speaking. I thought that was a great touch.

The film also modernizes the story and related elements of the world that is being transformed since the "vanishing" to thing currently happening in our social, corporate and governmental frameworks.

I found a lot of the commentary on those elements clever and appropriate.

While not blown away, I am looking forward to the next movie in this series.

Sorbo's belated love letter to Tucker Carlson

[gpgxfbkg · 1/10 · 2 June 2023]

Astonishingly dated for its release year, this is largely a vehicle to express Sorbo's venom for public health officials fighting a deadly pandem-er, a spate of mysterious disappearances.

The actor/ director/ reluctant-vaccine-recipient puts his rejection of evidence, expertise, and decency on display by employing the bizarrely confused, Buck(er) Williams. Buck is "only asking questions" when he isn't launching into endless, half-baked monologues about the "pandemic of fear," shadowy corporations changing votes-er...data, news networks spreading state propaganda, or the United Nations controlling the world.

The movie creates a contradiction by repeatedly comparing the biblical rapture with the Covid-19 pandemic, while also pandering to people who deny that covid ever killed anyone. It also targets those who'd profit from the rapture-demic, despite being the THIRD film attempt at the Christian novel series.

Kevin Sorbo doesn't attempt to fill the shoes Nicholas Cage threw out after the 2014 film, instead replacing him with...himself and a teleprompter? His replacement cast (which includes his wife and son) somehow fails to reach even his poor performance level.

All that said, I'm sure the Christian faithful will stand by this film and its sequels; sequels assuredly filled with broken metaphors for gender-inclusive bathrooms and white replacement, probably sometime in 2028.

Impossibly awful. Jesus weeps.

[ThanksIHateIT · 1/10 · 26 March 2023]

Hopefully you didn't pay money to see this movie, for if you did, that would be unfortunate. Here are some of the reasons why Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist is a terrible movie:

The directing is incompetent, to put it kindly. Sorbo does not know how to stage a scene or how to get a good performance out of his actors.

The acting is terrible. Sorbo is an even worse actor than he is a director. His performance is wooden and lifeless in the lead role. And McDonough is over-the-top and hammy as the Antichrist (poor McDonough - why is he in this, he used to be a decent actor who appeared in enjoyable movies).

The writing is awful. The film is full of clichés and bad dialogue. The plot is obvious and will have you saying "who cares" to yourself.

The film is boring. There is no suspense or excitement in the film. The pacing is slow and the film is full of filler scenes.

I see this movie had a $12m+ budget - is Kevin Sorbo pocketing some of that? Because it sure didn't make it to the screen.

To be honest, I can't imagine that the people who made this actually watched it before releasing it to the public because I would be too embarrassed to ever let this see the light of day. It is truly that bad.

Jesus wept.

Love the books - Hate film adaptations

[davidjdoyle-140-892335 · 14 March 2023]

If you're a fan of the Left Behind series of books, and you happen to read reviews before watching the movie... run away and don't look back.

Can we just let this series die? Even though this one was more true the book, the acting, editing, sound, direction all ruin a good story in translation to film.

Kevin Sorbo allows his toxic, extremist views to his already weak acting abilities and turns it into a parody. His career was already in drastic decline and this will likely seal the coffin.

As the Director, Kevin again brings his political vitriol into the production influencing the storyline distracting from the message of the love of God and Jesus Christ. His meddling with the story seems to be an attempt bring attention to himself.

Kevin should have retired after Hercules as his career as an actor and director has only cratered ever since.

No words for how awful this is

[katyaregan · 1/10 · 30 April 2023]

What a mess. Is this some ultra right wing so called "Christian" propaganda? The acting awful and thought might be so bad it is good - but no, just bad.

When the anchor at "GWN" (OWN get it?) thought the scientist with actual facts and data was wrong and made a comment about an "anti takn" vaccine and balked at people having to stay in their homes during the chaos and turns out HE was the "GOOD" guy it was clear this was propaganda.

But it could have been funny but it is just BAD.

And I DO believe in the Bible it is this awful take that made me actually angry. This one will get a bunch of razzies.0.

Life is too short to waste on garbage

[stevemstuart · 1/10 · 31 March 2023]

Well I thought at the end that I would rather cut my own bo**cks off with a blunt tomahawk than watch that again... it's truly abysmal and I'm amazed that some has the money to waste on producing it !

I wanted this to be one of those movies that kind of opened up on the agenda going on to trash humanities faith in religion and show those in the shadows controlling us all that we can be fooled by the coming of the messiah again, all it did really was wish that if he does ever return it's gone too far to the dark side to even fix!

If you really do feel that everyone is crazy on here then go for it and you never know it may just be for you?