Thursday, September 01, 2011
Michael Allen
Writers: Robert Hall and Kevin Bocarde.
Cast: Nick Principe, and Angelina Armani.
Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2 is the sequel to the 2009 film Laid to Rest. Both films were directed by special effects artist Robert Hall and this latest title sees Chromeskull back from near death. This latest film picked up right where the last one left off, with a few new characters introduced. Most notably, Brian Austin Green plays a central role in this film along with Danielle Harris. Harris has been in a number of thrillers recently e.g. Hatchet II, Stake Land and she seems to be comfortable with her title of Scream Queen. Recently released on AT&T's video-on-demand service, Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2 again shows the make up skills of Hall and his company Almost Human, Inc. (Anything Horror). The body count is high, but so is the excitement.
Hall is one of the few filmmakers who can make this reviewer squirm, while eliciting ambivalent emotions. The special effects look great, but the story in this sequel is more unified. The central story in this film involves Chromeskull recovering from his wounds in a private hospital. This character is also the CEO of several underlings, some of whom would like his job as chief psychopath. After some time in bed, Chromeskull is again hunting down terror stricken women; but this time he has some competition.
Actor Green plays Preston, a man with an obssession for "loose ends" and sharp blades. He cuts in on Chromeskull's pleasures, while Thomas Dekker returns as Tommy, a man on the run and traumatized by his experiences with the original madman. Some incompetent cops are introduced late. However, this is a film about Preston interfering with Chromeskull's plans. The blood splatters on the screen, from the many victims, are just greasing the wheels for the final climax between these two characters.
One thing can definitely be said of this title: the production values have improved from the first film and so has the writing (oops, that was two). The first film offered very little backstory for the antagonist. But here, Chromeskull's life, outside of being a butcher is given a reveal, despite there not being a line of dialogue spoken by this character (there are some texts, however). As well, writers Hall and Kevin Bocarde introduce a nice twist and the character arc for Preston, who sees himself as a better, bolder Chromeskull is a great addition. The tattoo scene, which shows his transition from lackey to dominant schemer, is surreal at first, but full of insight into Preston's intentions. Again, there is no dialogue offered; yet, the realization in the character and in the audience is still effective.
Unbelievably Hall has participated in over seventy-eight titles in the make-up department and Hall shows his true talents in blood effects on the screen. Knife slices to faces and torsos are incredibly lifelike and very disturbing. The thrills come from watching the magic of Hall. Yet, there are some ambivalent feelings raised when so many innocent, good-looking characters are turned into more blood soaked hamburger. Some fans might even experience nausea if they are not familiar with Hall's work, or other films in extreme horror e.g. Eden Lake (2008), Hanger (2009). Just close your eyes when one of the police officers is doused in an electrical bath, or when another character has his skull sawed in two, or...well, you get the picture.
The Chromeskull series of films continue to keep horror where it belongs, in the restricted area. Through excellent blood effects, a well-written story and attention to characters, Hall and Bocarde have assembled film elements that will delight true horror fans, especially those of the gorehound variety. The subject matter is sometimes a difficult watch, but the attention to details consistently comes through in the picture. Watch Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2 on the big screen for full effect this September 20th, through a limited theatrical run.
Acting/believability/casting: 8 (this reviewer really cannot say enough of Green's performance, spot-on).
Writing/plot: 7.75 (the writing has improved immensely from the first film).
Directing/control/style: 7 (some issues with shaky cameras early, but everything evens out by the mid-point).
Overall: 7.5 (definitely see this one).
Another in-depth, excellent review by Scott Shoyer at Anything Horror:
Laid to Rest 2 Reviewed at Anything Horror
The film's website can be found here:
Laid to Rest 2's Homepage
The film's fan page:
Laid to Rest 2 on Facebook
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Posted in: brian austin green,danielle harris,movie review,movie review 2011,nick principe,robert hall,slasher,slasher horror movie review,thomas dekker
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