Synopsis – Cynical bodyguard Jericho is hired by a man possessed by Satan, who is searching for his bride. When Jericho realizes what is happening, he must do everything he can to save the woman and the world.
Director – Peter Hyams
Starring – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robyn Tunney, Gabriel Byrne
Released – 1999
“End of Days” is a film that falls squarely in the ‘guilty pleasure’ category. Directed by Peter Hyams and released in 1999, it combines elements of action, horror, and apocalyptic thriller, making for an entertaining but uneven viewing experience.
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Jericho Cane, a former police officer turned security guard, who becomes embroiled in a battle between good and evil when a satanic cult seeks to bring about the end of the world. The film’s premise is intriguing, blending religious mysticism and supernatural horror, but it often struggles to maintain its sense of coherence.
The film’s strength lies in its action sequences. Schwarzenegger’s iconic presence and charisma are put to good use here, delivering several intense and well-choreographed fight scenes. Considering the era in which it was made, the stunts and special effects are surprisingly effective. The apocalyptic visuals, featuring fire and brimstone, are appropriately dark and foreboding.
Unfortunately, “End of Days” falters in its attempt to balance its supernatural and action elements. The plot becomes convoluted, and the characters, aside from Jericho, lack depth. The religious symbolism and themes are intriguing but handled in a heavy-handed and sometimes tasteless manner. The film’s attempts at mixing horror with Schwarzenegger’s trademark humour and one-liners can feel tonally inconsistent.
The supporting cast, including Gabriel Byrne as the devil and Robin Tunney as the chosen woman, give commendable performances, but the script often limits their potential. The film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of slow exposition followed by intense bursts of action, making it somewhat challenging to stay engaged throughout.
In summary, “End of Days” is a decent, if somewhat uneven, entry in the action-horror genre. It offers moments of entertainment, particularly for fans of Schwarzenegger’s action-hero persona and those interested in supernatural thrillers. However, it falls short of delivering a truly memorable or cohesive cinematic experience. If you’re looking for a mindless action flick with a paranormal twist, “End of Days” might be worth a watch, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
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