I found the first film of 1991 to be an unexpected delight. Well made all around, a fun blast of sci-fi action, I was stunned by the imagination and hard work that went into the outstanding creature designs and practical effects. One success is no guarantee of another, however, and I think it's fair to enter this sequel with some trepidation. The opening scene is not enough to truly start forming an opinion, nor the credits sequence that employs the rudimentary computer-generated imagery of the early 90s, though they do reinforce that trepidation. I might add that with exposition needing to start laying the foundations of the scenario and also find a reason to reunite returning characters, it perhaps takes a bit for the plot to really begin picking up. Thankfully, however, as the minutes tick by, 'Zeiram 2' proves to be gratifyingly engaging and enjoyable on its own merits, and a swell follow-up to its progenitor. Though it carries a bit of a different feel, it boasts plenty of its own ingenuity, and is overall fantastic. It may not entirely stand shoulder to shoulder with 'Zeiram,' but for as great as both are, that distinction doesn't mean all that much
Some little touches are a bit much, like the Male Gaze that occasionally lingers on star Moriyama Yuko, and at times the feature seems primed to be more over the top. While those more basic computer graphics turn out to be a reflection of Iria's AI assistant Bob, one may argue they're slightly overused. A little more reliance on post-production additions to the filmed footage inherently means that it is sometimes inferior to the more judiciously utilized instances of three years before. Then again, all this is part of the cheeky joy of the viewing experience - including that opening sequence that rather makes me think of a Charles Band production - or slivers of humor like a splendid use of split-screen editing, or the continued antics of Teppei and Kamiya. What I think does discretely trouble the picture is a relatively soft tone, and softer pacing, that take some of the energy out of the ride. With that in mind, too, some bursts of action and certain emphatic shots appear more overcooked than they are, reinforcing the sense of a B-movie. Yet no matter how much one may nitpick, the simple fact of the matter is that 'Zeiram 2' is once again well made and highly entertaining.
There's a tad more digital wizardry, and not all of it is as excellent as what we got before, but mostly it's just fine, and it's not altogether overused. There may be a tad fewer practical effects, creature designs, or otherwise tangible creations, but those that we do get are consistently terrific and creative, and we even still get a smidgen of beloved stop-motion animation. Inasmuch as the predecessor was a sci-fi action title with aspects of comedy and healthy doses of monster-filled horror, this notably reduces the latter facet while generally bearing a lighter tone. Nevertheless, the filming locations, sets, props, and weapons are marvelous, the stunts and effects exciting, and the costume design, hair, and makeup are wonderfully rich. Moriyama's look as Iria has notably been changed ever so slightly, and I appreciate that look and the thought that went into it. Moriyama's isn't the only familiar face, however, for most everyone involved has returned from the previous title. As they do it seems evident how much they all loved making these, and I kind of wish that more had been made over time.
So we get the solid, well-rounded performances from Moriyama, Hotaru Yukijiro, and Ida Kunihiro, and the capable and unexpectedly tight direction of Amemiya Keita. Ohta Koichi's score adds nice flavor, and the cinematography and editing are quite keen. The fight choreography is sharp. And even as this film differs from the last, Amemiya and collaborator Matsumoto Hajime again deliver an admirable, well-considered screenplay. Varied scene writing rounds out a compelling narrative that pulls together all the same elements in an interesting and meaningful way, and both again yield some smart detail and quietly buzzing electricity. Here those details are less about laying the groundwork for an action and effects extravaganza and more about fleshing out the storytelling, and even so I commend Amemiya and Matsumoto for the skill and intelligence they bring to the tableau. And so it goes for everything here. At points I can't always decide 'Zeiram 2' is more or less focused than 'Zeiram,' or more or less balanced. One way or another I do think that all told it's a small step down. Him and haw as we may about the particulars, however, all I know is that I had a fabulous time watching, and I'm glad I found both these flicks to check out. I wouldn't say this demands viewership in the same way as the progenitor, yet as another superb slice of sci-fi action, this 1994 sequel holds its own and deserves a look if you have the chance.
