"Face Off" Recap: "Movie Magic - Part II"

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Fourteen episodes and no doubt forty pounds of foam latex later...we have come to the end of the line for season nine of Face Off. The field of contestants has been whittled down to three and last night a winner was crowned in spectacular fashion as "Movie Magic - Part II" brought us exactly what that title promised, special effects make up come to life on film.

It is the ultimate goal for the contestants, their dream realized and quite frankly it was pretty freaking awesome to see a functioning movie set bring everything the contestants have learned this year together. Yes, with the screen tests now complete the final three were required to handle a quick twist to the finale challenge...a third makeup to appear on screen and a fourth team member to give them help and early on in this episode, it was obvious just how badly each and every one of these contestants wanted the win as they all settled in to finish their work in the lab one last time.

Nora led the pack of contestants since her screen test was by far the most successful and quickly designed and created her third makeup. Evan pulled off a fast turnaround on his failed screen tests and Ben was able to merely enhance his work and thankfully got the feedback to make his third makeup human like and subtle and in madcap fashion, it wasn't long before the makeups were complete and the contestants were moved on set to get everything ready for the shoot, and with it being go time, the good news is everyone stepped up to the plate. 

Ben did have an issue with his silicon appliance, but otherwise all three shoots went off without a hitch. Our final three were ready for anything Patrick threw at them, and naturally during the shoot the judges had the opportunity to observe how the makeups looked on film and handled the rigors of multiple takes and whatever the elements threw at these special works and quite frankly, this was the coolest part of the episode. We've been living the dream with these contestants and to see the joy on their faces as they witnessed their work come to life through the lens of a camera was nothing short of magical.

But alas, the time had come to crown a winner for season nine of the show and after screening each short film and taking the time to learn more about the makeups and what went into them...the choice was made and Nora took home the title of champion and quite frankly, it is well deserved. She finally found the confidence she needed to and it paid off in dividends. She was the most prepared of all three contestants in every phase of this final contest and it showed on screen, her work simply looked amazing and my hat goes off to you Nora, you earned it and I certainly hope you bask in the glory of this win and enjoy all the work that comes your way from it. Either way, what an awesome season it was on Face Off, and the good news is, season ten awaits us in January...until then.

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