The Further Adventures of Buck Williams

Left Behind II: Tribulation Force is that rare sequel that actually surpasses the original. It has all of the propaganda, community theatre costumes, and frighteningly earnest acting as the first one, but it's a lot more kickass. LB2 is the Red Dawn of Jesus movies, with the Antichrist (who's Russian) filling in for the Russians and Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron) and his Tribulation Force, a rag-tag band of would-be heroes in search of redemption, filling in for those plucky Wolverines. LB2 even shares Red Dawn's communists-will-eat-your-children vibe.

Here's some quick back story, and then we'll get to the highlight reel. Nicolae Carpathia (the Antichrist) has become a beacon of light to a ravaged world. With the promise of peace and hope, all eyes turn towards him for guidance. Only the Tribulation Force, helmed by Kirk with the doubting pilot and the doubting preacher from LB1, knows Carpathia's true identity, and they're committed to bringing down the Beast 'ere the Seven Seals are broken. Oh yeah, and the whole world is under martial law.

Highlights:

Carpathia at the UN
The Antichrist goes before the UN to discuss a “world currency.” OK, the guy who plays Carpathia is just plain awesome. I could have picked any of his scenes as highlights. I must work with this guy.

Buck Finds Love
Kirk finds non-sex, photo-booth style love with the formerly rebellious daughter of the formerly doubting pilot. It's all hugs and praying. Hot.

Fire-Breathing Bible Dudes
Two old bible-type guys (perhaps on loan from 10 Commandments: The Musical) stroll onto the sound stage standing in for Israel and breathe flames on two stunt men wearing fire suits. Best scene in the history of cinema?

Rabbis for Christ
Lest you forget what kind of movie this is, the world's leading Rabbi goes on global television (being filmed by star GNN reporter Buck Williams, of course) to proclaim that Jesus Christ was and is the true Messiah, and then asks God for forgiveness for being blind to the fact for so long. Yep. That's how we role in LB2

Trib Force is easily a 4-Grieco picture and a must-see. These movies are what GIK should be all about. You owe it to yourself to deal with this pre-post-apocalyptic, trashcans burning on the street, stipple brush-5:00 shadow masterpiece.


note: It's nice to be back. Look for a review of Left Behind III: World at War early next week.