Revelation

Prequel: “Apocalypse” (1997) / Sequels: “Tribulation” (2000), and “Judgment” (2001)

“Revelation” is the sequel to “Apocalypse”, following on in the end-times scenario of a frightening post-rapture world. “Revelation” stars Jeff Fahey as counter terrorism expert Thorold Stone, a man forced to deal with the reality that his wife and daughter were among those who disappeared with millions of others around the world. As he tries to piece together the true meaning of their disappearance, he encounters a nasty conspiracy connected directly to a charismatic world leader who calls himself the Franco Macalousso, or the Messiah (Nick Mancuso).

While investigating a bombing that killed a bus full of children, Thorold comes across a group of underground believers who are framed as terrorists. While the Christians are taken into custody, one woman slips Thorold a computer CD that contains highly sensitive information about the upcoming “Messiah’s Day of Wonders.” If Thorold can break through the security and find out what’s on the disk, he can help to put a stop to the evil intentions of the self-proclaimed “Messiah.”

There is some adult-level humor and tense/scary scenes (including a Satanic incantation). “Revelation” was rated PG-13 in the U.S., and it actually was released to film theaters worldwide. There is one instance of “hell” used by the atheistic protagonist during an intense challenge for God to show himself. Many of the characters deal with some serious issues: when he was young Thorold watched his mother die to cancer and God didn’t heal her, Cindy Bolton (supermodel Carol Alt) is blind and bitter that God never answered her prayer for eyesight, and Willie Spino is lame and wants to walk. These are real issues and provide excellent material for discussion. The question of why God allows the innocent to suffer is as old as sin itself.

Thorold eventually becomes associated with a group of new Christians who are committed to thwarting the plans of Macalousso, whom they believe is clearly the predicted figure of the Antichrist. His evil plans to distribute virtual headsets that will force mankind to decide their allegiance to the Antichrist, or shun him altogether and face immediate execution, is set to happen on the “Messiah’s Day of Wonders”… and time is running out. Thorold finds himself unsure who to trust and what to do, and ultimately his faith is on the line and his eternal destiny at stake.

“Revelation” is an entirely Christian production, released by Cloud Ten Pictures and produced by Peter and Paul Lalonde. The acting and technical aspects of this sequel far exceed “Apocalypse”. While still not on par with Hollywood-style productions, this unique Christian film studio based in Canada has great potential and is sure to produce even better quality as their experience and budget builds. Let’s remember to keep them in our prayers as they earnestly seek to captivate minds for Christ while we wrestle on Earth against principalities and powers that are sometimes beyond our understanding.