Apocalypse (1998)

My Review

There’s not a dull moment after the Rapture of the Church in “Apocalypse.” This first in a series of four films from Cloud Ten Pictures centers on the story of two journalists who become born again Christians after the disappearance of believers from the Earth. They become caught up in a frantic race against time to alert the world of the deception of the new global leader Franco Macalusso.

Actors Richard Nester and Leigh Lewis, not exactly household names, deliver exceptional performances as the two WNN reporters in question. Sam Bornstein appears as the diabolical antichrist Macalusso. Co-stars include David Roddis, David Wand, Antonia Stewart, and Michael Halkusis as General Alizar. Television ministers Jack Van Impe, Rexella Van Impe, and Luis Palau appear as themselves.

Producers Peter Lalonde and Paul Lalonde (both also wrote the screenplay) ensured top rate production values on a low budget. Director Peter Garretson keep “Apocalypse” moving at a good pace. Three sequels will follow: “Revelation” (1999), “Tribulation” (2000), and “Judgement” (2001). It was filmed in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.