I know it was
silly for me to expect more from VHS 2
than the original film, but the only relief in this sequel is the minimized
sexual abuse against women in the storylines. The structure of the film is as
weak as the original, with a premise that is creepy until the acting reminds us
what we are watching isn’t real, but the actual shorts segments making up the
film are even more disappointing. As with the original film, there are just
enough moments that are praiseworthy to highlight how awful and unimaginative
the remainder is.
Seven directors
combine efforts for this anthology horror film, based on the premise of found
footage VHS tapes which have deadly consequences when viewed in the correct
sequence. In fact, many of these shorts are hugely unoriginal apart from the
creativity of making the narrative work within the found footage format. With
the frequent use of cameras in our every day existence, whether it is attached
to our phone or sporting equipment, this premise makes sense if it weren’t for
the fact that the films are all meant to be on the outdated VHS tapes. This
conundrum aside, most of these short films are a bit too safe to even be
memorable. There are some exceptions, which is what makes these films so
painful. I can’t recommend a film which has about fifteen minutes I loved and
over an hour of material which is duller than it is despicable, as was the
tendency in the first film.
Here are the
segments, for better or worse. In a segment directed by Adam Wingard (You’re Next) called “Phase I Clinical
Trials,” a man gets an implant in his eye with the technology to also include a
bonus camera for the scientists to watch and the audience to participate.
Although Wingard seems to be making a gigantic stylistic wink at Gaspar Noe’s Enter the Void, this is not a horrible
choice to make in creating an unsettling atmosphere. “A Ride in the Park” is
directed by Greg Hale and Eduardo Sánchez (The
Blair Witch Project) and is easily the weakest in the bunch. It is a zombie
short without much inspiration. “Safe Haven” is a film about a revealing expose
into an infamous cult, directed by Timo Tjahjanto and Gareth Evans (The Raid). “Slumber Party Alien
Abduction,” directed by Simon Barrett (Hobo with a Shotgun), is the most fun
and frightening in the bunch, despite merely being another alien abduction
storyline. The visuals and the abruptness with which things occur made this the
most effective in the group of shorts.
The DVD special
features include a behind-the-scenes featurette for each of the segments, as
well as a look at the entire film by AXS TV, a behind-the-scenes photo gallery
and a commentary track with the filmmakers.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Disc Features: 7/10
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