Monday, June 27, 2011
Michael Allen
Director: John Pogue.
Writers: John Pogue, John Erik Dowdle, Drew Dowdle, Jaume Balaguero, Luiso Berdejo, and Paco Plaza.
Quarantine 2 gives a nod to the previous film, by mentioning an isolated apartment on a television screen. This film takes to the skies for the early parts of this feature, before touching down in a creepy luggage hangar. Released in theatres June 15th, this title is now available on video-on-demand and this horror picture does more than simply put zombies (or zombie-like, if you prefer) on a plane. There is a lot of drama here, some romance and a lot of gory violence. Why stop at giving someone a concussion? The original writers, John Erik Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, return to the sequel and the purpose of this film is to open up the Quarantine universe, to show the infectious possibilities.
Welcome aboard Flight Number 666; this flight is going down! The early moments of the film are used to provide some red herrings. You know an infection is coming, but you will not know the delivery. This gentle teasing at the source of the infection creates for some of the enjoyment, as you, the viewer, are introduced to the cabin crew and passengers. As well, John Pogue keeps the camera inside, so that you feel as the passengers do - claustrophobic (Fangoria). However, the action really gets into high gear, when an infection spreads amongst the characters, forcing the plane downwards.
On the ground and in the hangar, the actors get a chance to really get into character, as a virus changes normal folks into rabid, blood thirsty monsters. Bre Blair plays the heroine, Paula, who has a lot to deal with after the flight crew turn into ravenous animals. Her performance as an overwhelmed stewardess creates the believability, which is a consistent tone in Quarantine 2. As well, one of the villains, played by John Cooke, is especially well cast and the writing, from a group of scriptwriters, gives Henry (Cooke) some convincing reasons for spreading a deadly disease. Much of the acting is on par with a first rate film, with a budget much greater than the $4 million spent here.
The Center for Disease Control attempts to innoculate the passengers, when they are in the hangar. This only seems to piss the red-eyed infected off, as they renew their energetic attacks a la 28 Days Later. The deadly and fast acting nature of the virus keeps the pacing of Quarantine 2 ever moving forward at a breathtaking speed. As well, the large cast of minor and major characters are also quickly whittled to only a few. While the film exploits your fears of disease, small spaces and unprovoked violence, the film is generating all the necessary excitement to keep viewers enthralled.
This reviewer would like to step into spoiler territory briefly, so be forewarned. The final few scenes show the infection moving eastward towards Las Vegas and this scene is very reminiscent of 28 Weeks Later. In this second film, the plague spread to Paris, also shown in the final few scenes. Also, George (Mattie Liptak) is bitten in the final moments, of the film reviewed here. So, obviously, John Pogue and his writing team do not intend to leave the series with this second film, depending on fan response. If there is a third film, then expect there to be a little more excitment at the casinos and strip bars on the Strip of Sin City.
Quarantine 2 is an excellent film, that is complex and very enjoyable. The shaky camera does not distract, but the murderous rampage of a few, and then a dozen will create a lot of tension. This film is given the big 28DLA recommend and fans of zombie-like, or disease based thrillers will find a lot to fear in this latest film from Third Street Pictures.
Writing/story/plot: 8 (good characters, good story, what else can be said?)
Characters/believability: 7.5 (lots of minor and major characters, gets simpler as the film moves on).
Directing techniques/coaching: 7 (some good shots with the FLIR - Forward Looking Infrared, shaky cam, good use of lighting too).
Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (give the film a spin).
Another review of the film, at Fangoria (Michael Gingold):
Quarantine Reviewed at Fangoria
Available on Amazon Instant:
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Posted in: airline disaster,airplane,drew dowdle,jaume balaguero,john erik dowdle,john pogue,movie review,paco plaza,quarantine,quarantine 2,zombies
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