HATCHET 2 (2010)

Written & Directed By: Adam Green
Cinematography By: Will Barratt
Editor: Ed Marx

Cast: Danielle Harris, Tony Todd, Kane Hodder, Parry Shen, Tom Holland, A.J. Bowen


I really enjoyed HATCHET and looked forward to this sequel. I have to say I was a bit disappointed but I still enjoyed the film immensely. I am fast becoming a fan of Adam –
He has a good sensibility of making scenes of dread when it comes to horror. While still being able to be funny.

This film he looks to be working with a similar low budget but like most sequels he makes everything bigger in this film. Danielle Harris takes over the main lead role and makes a more emotional character then Tamara Feldman played in the original. She s the only survivor of the attack in the original film. Once she gets back to the mainland she goes to Reverend Zombie to help her get rid of Victor Crowly once and for all. He in turn recruits a bunch of hunters and woodsmen with the promise of $5,000 to kill the monster once and for all though he has ulterior motives.

My problems with the film are minor like the monster in this film looks fake where as in the original he looked somewhat believable. Smartly in the sequel he is viewed briefly in most scenes as the murders and maimings are given more center stage. The murders in of themselves are annoying as many end with the camera being sprayed with blood or walls being sprayed with it as scenes end which would be cool if this film were a 3D film. Here after the third time it becomes annoying unless it was a stylistic choice for the director to have it be the monster signature when he kills. The ending I also have a problem with as it seems to end suddenly not really with any pinache it just ends and feels bare to me at least.

I like the fact that in the film there is no rhyme or reason for who gets killed in what way or any order. No one has the designated character role like the best friend, The Slut, The Comedic relief. The film is gory and we often see the exact aftermath of the attacks. I can honestly say the film is never boring and bears the trademark of what B horror is supposed to be a 80’s zaniness with plenty of vice and straight to dvd production values while giving the audience what they want. It somehow even manages to have sex in it.

While the original film was more suspenseful this film is more direct. It has a straight up action feel with a few scares. Plot wise it is simple. But very enjoyable. If you liked the original you should enjoy this film as it gives more back-story on the monster. It’s not as good as the original but a worthy sequel That you can enjoy without seeing the original

GRADE: C+