Directed by: Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza
Starring: Manuela Velasco, Jonathan Mellor, Óscar Sánchez Zafra, Ariel Casas, Alejandro Casaseca, Pablo Rosso, Pep Molina, Andrea Ros, Álex Batllori, Pau Poch, Juli Fábregas, Nico Baixas, Javier Botet, Carlos Olalla
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Running time: 85 minutes
Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars
For those who have seen the original “[REC]“, the sequel picks up directly the after the first film. The sequel tries to distinguish itself but the story is same and the scares are the same. The film follow a group of Special Operations Unit members who are entering the quarantined building with a priest in order to find the origin of the infection. In order to continue the shaky camera feel, each Special Operations Unit member has a camera mounted on his helmet. The scares just aren’t new, they are the same as the first film. When you least expect it something comes screaming out of focus and attacks someone during a shaky blurry haze.
“[REC] 2″ throws a curve ball from the first film adding plot twist that the people in the film are actually possessed by an evil entity not just infected zombies, hence the necessity of a priest. Something about this plot factor doesn’t sit well and makes the film take a totally different path down the wrong road. Is it about people who are infected zombies or people who need an exorcism? Upon searching the house, the Special Operations Unit team run into the lead heroine reporter, Angela Vidal (Manuela Velasco), whose faith seemed dim after the first film. Her return in the film is probably one of the best parts of the film.
“[REC] 3″ is already in the works which will continue I am sure right after the ending of “[REC] 2″. Hopefully they amp up the scares and take the film in a new direction so it doesn’t feel the same. The film is worth a watch if you are fan of the original but don’t expect to be wowed.
