"Sinister 2" - A Worthy Sequel; "No Escape" So Intense - May Cause Cramps in Butt from Tensing

   

    I always get leery when it comes to sequels. It's sad that they come packaged with this stereotype of being bloated versions of their predecessors, which they mainly are. There's so much potential to expound on material that if you seek to catch lightning in a bottle twice, you'll fail. The approach with sequels should be simple, to tell a great story. Connect it somehow to the first film, but really focus on making it it's own thing. I believe that's what was being attempted with "Sinister 2", and despite it's flaws and minor plot holes, I think it serves as a fairly decent follow up to what I believe to be one of the more pivotal horror films in the last ten years.

   The movie takes place some time after the events of the first film. A mother, played by Shannyn Sossamon, and her 2 sons move into a rural house, evading her abusive husband who is seeking custody. Unbeknowsnt to them, the property is marked for death. When Deputy So-and-So from the first film learns that this family is next in line to fall to the demon Bhughul, he races before time to stop it and save them from the same fate. The movie follows the same idea as the first, but in a new and different way. We have the demon that utilizes a child in order to murder their family, the child records it on an 8mm camera and the demon takes the child as his own. In this film however, we learn more about the demon Bhughul and the process that takes place in order to persuade the children to commit the terrible acts. This movie loosely reminds me of Children of the Corn, and uses the same theme of corrupt children perpetrating evil acts. There are plenty of jumps and scares in this movie, and the "home videos" in this sequel are terrifying; from a family being electrocuted to becoming dinner for alligators, they only get worse from there.

   The premise of the story is an uneasy, unsettling one already, but what this film does that adds to the overall effect of the film is that it utilizes the horrors of parental abuse and domestic violence in order to give the overall tone a more grounded feel as well as a richer plot. Deputy So-and-So (it's the second movie, they couldn't give him a name?) and the demon Bhughul are the only returning characters from the first film. The character of the deputy isn't the strongest of leading characters, and personally seems overshadowed by Sossamon most of the time. The real stars though are the children. The two boys interact with previous dead children who have murdered their families and are trying to get them to do the same. The two sons are played by real life brothers Robert and Dartanian Sloan and their personal relationship shines through in their performances.

   This movie is definitely creepy, yet it's lighter in tone compared to the first film. After watching this movie I immediately wanted to re-watch the first one. You learn more about "how things work" in the world of these films that it would be interesting to see how it fits into the events of the first. If you liked Sinister, you'll like this movie. If you didn't like Sinister, I think you still might like this movie because even though it's in the same vein, it does stand as a different addition to the franchise. Plus, it's a scary movie, and those are always fun to see on the big screen.

 
   John Dowdle's insanely tense thriller "No Escape" is one of the most jarring films I've seen in quite a while. Too many times we go to the movies to be wistfully entertained without a thought or investment on our part. You can't sit idly in this film. This movie portrays a scarily realistic situation that is tense at every moment, forcing its way into your brain, daring to ask you "What would you do if you were this character? What would you do in this situation?" Through the story and well-acted cast, you're almost forced to invest emotionally into what is happening because you never know, that could be you.

   Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson) is an engineer that is moving his wife and two daughters to some unspecified southeast Asian country to accept a promotion. Lake Bell plays Annie, Jack's wife, and is excellent as a support to Wilson, who acts the crap out of this movie. In their new overseas home, this American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, causing them to frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed. It's a horrific nightmare that is both realistic and close to home. Many people move out of country for work, so to think that something like this could happen adds to the overall experience of the film.

   The movie runs at a brisk 103 minutes, and about 15 of those minutes are peaceful moments where the audience can catch their breath. This movie begins on an insanely chaotic level, dies down just a bit to allow the family to get settled, then takes off again and relentlessly chugs along, leaving you at the edge of your seat the whole way. It's pretty violent, and bloody, lots of people die in the course of the coup that is occurring. Watching Jack force himself to make decision after decision in keeping his family safe makes you think "man, could I do that?" There was a moment, and they briefly show it in the trailer so there is no need for a spoiler alert, where Jack and his family are on the roof of their hotel trying to escape. Jack realizes the only way to do so is to jump across to the next building. His wife goes first; after multiple attempts she overcomes her fear out of desperation and leaps to the neighboring roof. Jack in turn literally throws his kids across to his wife, hoping she catches them. It was purely carnal, instinctive and I'd probably do the same thing if I were Jack. That's what I love about this film, you can't help BUT place yourself in the Dwyers' shoes along the ride.

   Like I mentioned before, the cast was great. This was Owen Wilson's first dramatic role since I think Behind Enemy Lines, and quite frankly I think he needs to do more. He was believable and real in his portrayal. Lake Bell as his counterpart was equally engaging and grounded in reality. Pierce Brosnan makes an appearance and he's always great. Even the two girls that play the Dwyer sisters, they have some really raw and intense scenes that they were able to pull off brilliantly. Kudos to the casting department on this one. All in all though, this movie shouldn't be missed. I'm sure it'll be overlooked at the box office but it really shouldn't.