This film picks up at the exact moment that the last film ended, except this time we have genre darling Danielle Harris stepping into the role of Marybeth. As she narrowly escapes Crowley's clutches, she learns the secret of his evil and heads back to the swamp to avenge the deaths of her brother and father. This time, however, she's prepared. Marybeth meets up with Reverend Zombie and together they assemble a rag tag group of hunters to help them take Crowley down. In addition, the good reverend may or may not have some ulterior motives of his own... Green also gives us some back story on Crowley which adds some depth to the character as well as providing a few neat little twists.
Performance wise, the film is pretty solid. Harris' acting is uneven: at times she nails her role spot on and at other times she really goes over the top. I didn't mind this as much as some people did. After all, this is a throwback to 80's horror and I dare you to find me an 80's horror movie without a campy performance by at least one player! Tony Todd is also back for the sequel in a much bigger role and it's good to see him again. He really hits the nail on the head as Reverend Zombie, playing sinister as well as somehow charming and funny.
In addition, there are cameos and references aplenty! Shawn Ashmore (of X-men and Green's Frozen) cameos, as does A.J. Bowen and Perry Shen is back as his characters twin brother. There's also a nice little nod to Frozen as well as Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon. One thing I really enjoyed was the inclusion of R.A. Mihailoff (who portrayed Leatherface in Texas Chainsaw III) and he gets to go hand to hand with Crowley himself!
Now, I can't forget the real star of the show, Kane Hodder. He pulls double duty here as both Victor Crowley and his father Thomas. Now, as Victor, Hodder is his usual menacing and fearsome self. He is a hulk of a man and he really decimates everything in his path. It's as Thomas, however, that we are treated to a nice surprise. Kane gets a chance to flex his acting muscles, and the man is pretty damn good! There's a particularly emotional scene in which wanders into town after losing his son and we really feel for the man as he breaks down and cries in the middle of the street. (A little trivia for you as well, Kane has his first onscreen kiss in this film!)
Onto the effects. The kills are indeed bloody, brutal and inventive. Without spoiling much, we get a six foot long chainsaw, jaw ripping, impailing, decapitation, body ripping, face slicing, as well as one poor bastard who gets his intestines ripped out and is then promptly strangled with them! The kills look pretty realistic and the makeup on Crowley is a nicely done. He really looks great this time around and Kane's considerable bulk doesn't hurt!
Overall, this is an immensely enjoyable movie. It's a true throwback to the slasher films of decade's past and Adam Green makes a welcome return. Tight direction, solid story and acting and a nice little back story help flesh out the Crowley legacy. Also, there are some twists and turns, one of which you think you have pegged and then does a prompt about face on you. While some people knocked this film, I really enjoyed it and thoroughly encourage any slasher fans to see it. One thing is for certain-Adam Green is a sick man who knows how to deliver on the gore and horror!
Highlight Scene(s):
The aforementioned Thomas Crowley breakdown is really quite touching and emotional.
The montage of "fisherman" kills is pure bloody fun!
R.A. Mihailoff throwing down with Crowley is a horror enthusiasts wet dream
The ending scene. ( I won't spoil it, but once you see it you can't help but smile)
Highlight Quote: I can't really give any without spoiling things, therefore, I will refrain.
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