I'm sure I'll be the only 9 on here, you can chalk it up to low expectations if you like, after the dismal, one-note abortion that was The Redwood Massacre. The second I saw Danielle Harris' name, I thought "credibility bit part." I was wrong. She is an asset to this film, has a starring role, and it was a thing of beauty to see her beat the crap out of Max.
I can't say things started well. More of the same carried over from the first movie. And that is, pointless pain and suffering with no context, though it does introduce Max. Who the hell is/was Max? This movie not only keeps you guessing, but I don't think the question is ever answered. Especially in the way he is just disposed of. Is he a superfan? A serial killer groupie? A copycat killer? Redwood's henchman? An actual manufactured/trained Redwood Killer?! (One thing we do learn, in an amusing scene, is he is a necrophiliac!).
Redwood Massacre: Annihilation improves on virtually every aspect of movie making that the first movie failed so miserably at. Shockingly, this sequel (released 6 years after the debut) was made by the same guy! Writer/director, and if you watch the credits, jack-of-all-trades David Ryan Keith. Full marks to that guy, even for just being extra ambitious. I saw improvements in acting, direction, production value, cinematography, character development, score, you name it. This runs nearly an hour and three-quarters, and not all that is devoted to gruesome kills (though there are some good ones here). Annihilation is purposefully paced. As in, they allow you the time to get uncomfortable, linger, and effectively build tension. THEN you get your head chopped off. I even saw a few trope reversals! There's an element of intrigue, especially the more they explore and discover what the hell is going on at the underground military bunker (or is it?).
I, for one, LOVED this ending. Reminded me of George Romero. The very end left room for a sequel, which generally annoys me, but they also left several questions unanswered. So, bring on another one!
I can't say things started well. More of the same carried over from the first movie. And that is, pointless pain and suffering with no context, though it does introduce Max. Who the hell is/was Max? This movie not only keeps you guessing, but I don't think the question is ever answered. Especially in the way he is just disposed of. Is he a superfan? A serial killer groupie? A copycat killer? Redwood's henchman? An actual manufactured/trained Redwood Killer?! (One thing we do learn, in an amusing scene, is he is a necrophiliac!).
Redwood Massacre: Annihilation improves on virtually every aspect of movie making that the first movie failed so miserably at. Shockingly, this sequel (released 6 years after the debut) was made by the same guy! Writer/director, and if you watch the credits, jack-of-all-trades David Ryan Keith. Full marks to that guy, even for just being extra ambitious. I saw improvements in acting, direction, production value, cinematography, character development, score, you name it. This runs nearly an hour and three-quarters, and not all that is devoted to gruesome kills (though there are some good ones here). Annihilation is purposefully paced. As in, they allow you the time to get uncomfortable, linger, and effectively build tension. THEN you get your head chopped off. I even saw a few trope reversals! There's an element of intrigue, especially the more they explore and discover what the hell is going on at the underground military bunker (or is it?).
I, for one, LOVED this ending. Reminded me of George Romero. The very end left room for a sequel, which generally annoys me, but they also left several questions unanswered. So, bring on another one!