Review of End of Days (1999) by Eric W — 02 Jan 2010

When coming up with the idea, Andrew W. Marlowe already had in his mind the idea of Arnie fighting against Satan. When meeting Arnie, Marlowe told him about his idea and even did an impression of the Terminator-star saying ?I?m sending you back to hell?. Somehow Arnie was impressed by this and became the first person on board the project End of Days.

The plot is basically as Marlowe intended, Arnie against Satan. With the turn of the millennium three days away, Satan returns to the physical world in order to take over the body of Gabriel Byrne. This already creates an interesting plot hole: why did Satan instantly ignore every other person he came across and instantly go for Gabriel Byrne? It is a question that is never answered which will annoy some people. After this Satan decides to blow up the restaurant he has just emerged from, just because he can.

Satan?s intent know he is above ground is to track down a twenty year old named Christine (Robin Tunney). Because she was born when the planets were in a line she is chosen to be Satan?s new wife, and must conceive Satan?s child when the planets next line, which is between 11 and 12 am New Years Day 2000. Obviously, this would mean the birth of Satan?s child who will bring about; you guessed it ? the end of days. That is not if Arnie can help it. It is a shame that Arnie wasn?t given a more believable role by Marlowe considering he was the first person he had in mind. Arnie plays a bodyguard who because of the death of his wife and child is suicidal. When we first meet Jericho Cane, he is attempting to commit suicide, pointing his own gun at his head. He?s also an alcoholic as well, so he is the perfect person to protect Christine and save the human race from destruction.

While there are so many problems with this and plenty of plot holes, it is still a fun thrill ride. Gabriel Byrne is particularly enjoyable to watch as Satan, with his slick arrogance and demeanour and the odd smattering of black humour only Satan can pull off. It is not for everybody, but for those who can ignore the plot holes and just enjoy the ride; it is a rip roaring action film. Also, it is probably the only film where you will see Arnie take a right beating from an old woman. No jokes, he gets battered.