Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Aug 31, 2011 20:49:30 GMT -5
Plot:Picks up three months after the end of the first film. Tommy (Dekker), who's struggling with vivid memories of his first encounter with the masked killer, has been abducted by Preston (Green), who harbors a mysterious connection to ChromeSkull (Principe). Meanwhile, the technologically saavy slasher -- he videotapes his victims as he's killing them -- has set his sights on Jess (Michaels), and after the young girl disappears, Detective King (Yeoman) races against time to find her and Tommy before it's too late and try to put an end to ChromeSkull's blood-soaked legacy.
Cast:
Danielle Harris
Brian Austin Green
Thomas Dekker
Nick Principe
Owain Yeoman
Jennifer Blanc
Christopher Nelson
My Thoughts:Formidable slasher sequel.
Review:"Laid To Rest" (2009), was an indie slasher film that came pretty much out of nowhere to surprise, entertain, and flabbergast most genre fans. I wasn't big on the movie when I first saw it. But it's grown on me over time. My biggest issues with the film were some of the characters were really idiotic. Even by slasher film standards. And there were some moments where the low budget really showed.
But I thought it was certainly better than a lot of the other trash that comes out of the straight-to-dvd market. At any rate, "Laid To Rest 2" begins exactly where "Laid To Rest" left off. Only this time, the two survivors from the first film, Princess and the party guy Tommy, are now being played by new actors. An instant minus against the movie. Although there are a lot of films that seem to do this (mostly horror films), I cannot tell you how annoying it is to see an actor or actors play a role in a movie.
And then are replaced by other actors in the sequel to said movie. Especially when those roles are pivotal roles, and not just EMT #5 or something. So this movie picks up right where Chromeskull was left to die at the conclusion of part 1. You'd think after his face was melted off, and then he was smashed in the face with a weapon, he'd be dead by now. But in a slasher movie? Nonsense! They NEVER die! Chromeskull is not only still alive (barely), but it seems he's the front man for some sort of bizarre organization of high-tech psychos.
Led by Preston (Brian Austin Green). Who aid and abet his crimes. And so they "aid" and "abet" his escape from police custody, and to a safehouse. Where a miracle surgery is performed to salvage what's left of his face. Now...Chromie has only thing on his mind...REVENGE. "Laid To Rest 2" certainly seems to have spent more money on things than its predecessor. But is that necessarily a good thing? Well, in this films case it is. We get a look inside Chromeskull's cool lair, which is crawling with "helpers", including a mysterious female named Spann (Danielle Harris).
She too helps Chromeskull get back into the "swing" of things. But she also seems to admire his genius and is constantly stroking his ego. Unlike Preston, who seems to be waiting for Chromie to catch a bullet so he can take over things. And at most points in the film, even regrets fishing Chromie out of that quick-e-mart tight spot he was in. Chromeskull is definitely focused on getting revenge on Tommy at first, but he soon gets sidetracked with another "pretty face".
A teenage girl who is currently dealing with her own issues. She has a condition which is quickly eating away at her vision. And she can hardly see anything. With her eye surgery a few days away, the last thing she wants to see is Chromie popping up at her door. But unfortunately for her, that's exactly what happens. The movie plays out 3 different plots during it's 94 minute run. And then in the end, ties them all together in an exciting climax. The movies has a lot going on.
Chromeskull tries to regain his footing by carving up some fodder characters who he stumbles upon while he's out stalking around. While Tommy is trying to help the police catch Chromeskull before he strikes again. And then there's Preston. Who from the moment he appears on screen, is quickly sinking into a power-struggle with his demented mentor. The movie juggles all of these plots and subplots quite well. And while the characters in the sequel might not be as easy to like as they were in the first film. They certainly are a lot more interesting.
Part 1's characters were nice people. But they lacked depth. The sequel gives the characters some much-needed depth, and also builds more on their connection to Chromeskull. Those of you asking yourself right now..."yeah, but what about the blood and guts"? Well, once Chromeskull is taken back to his lair, the process of making him some new "toys" immediately begins. And those toys furthermore, are put to use immediately. Thus this is a pretty bloody picture.
The kills aren't necessarily insanely creative, but they get the job done well enough. The third and final act does have some glaring weaknesses though. It pretty much thrusts the last few characters left alive into a chase sequence through the twisted metal and fences of Chromeskull's lair. These scenes should've been a lot more intense than they were. But unfortunately, they weren't. And then there's the movies eventual ending, which seems to go for the easy way out.
Instead of a more ambiguous and thrilling climax. Of which part 1 delivered. But despite those two issues, "Chromeskull:Laid To Rest 2" still manages to deliver as a sequel to "Laid To Rest". It's driven more by story and acting this time. Instead of just blood, guts, and carnage. While the third act is spotty in certain areas, the movie overall is a modestly decent followup to the fresh-concept slasher film that "Laid To Rest" was.
Positives:Better story and more meat to the characters than the first movie offered up. Intriguing dynamic between Preston, Chromeskull, and Spann. Nice moments of blood and gore, and kudos to the staircase moment where Chromie does battle with one of the movies female officers. As well as kudos for bringing back the trademark knife-spin.
Negatives:Third act leading to the eventual end was spotty, and should've brought more impact than it did.
Overall:Three stars out of four.