Directed By: William Brent Bell
Written By: David Coggeshall
Story By: David Leslie Johnson-McColdrick
Based on characters created By: Alex Mace
Cinematography: Karim Hussain
Editor: Josh Ethier
Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland, Hiro Kanagawa, Matthew Finlan, Samantha Walles
After orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family.
A movie where It’s surprising success got a sequel or prequel trying to open it up into a franchise that is not needed or truly asked for.
So while it could easily be written off there is an attempt here that makes it not necessarily feel cheapened but an attempt to Make Something worthwhile.
While not great at least it tries not to be as surprising as the original but still manages to keep up the suspense and thrills. Now we are more in on the surprise to see how she works to stay ahead of those who suspect her and keep manipulating those around her.
The second half of the film or truly the last third offer up a twist that is unexpected like the original, but enlivens the movie so that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. It makes the film worthwhile, adding a dimension you’re not expecting.
It has Villains underestimating each other until a confrontation is needed to show dominance. Where the film tries to make us have sympathy for a sociopath to a degree. Which began with showing how vicious she can be.
While the movie is certainly brutal to show the viciousness and evil it never feels unnecessary.
Julia Stiles in yet another horror extension, but at least she is very good in this one and can understand why she choose this role. Reminds you of how good she can still be when given the right role
As always in these movies the black character already suspects something is up And can see through the facade.
The film makes every scene look hazy most of the time. Almost wish that this was a Brian DePalma movie.
How do you do that by having a psychopath go against people who are much worse?
A Little cheesy but worthwhile as it stays entertaining for the most part even if at times it feels trashy with a delectable shiny sheen and gloss Also shows how she knows she will never be accepted.
Maybe this sequel feels so good and refreshing as most likely going in you aren’t actually expecting as much especially when it comes to quality.
A prequel origin story where we learn the details of the fate of the characters we vaguely hear about in the first film.
It gets very campy
Grade: B-
Cut To The Chase 