Reunion From Hell 2 is a fantastic sequel to the first movie, and an improvement on the story of Riley Connor and his family. It's Empire to A New Hope. RFH 2 is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor. The combination of the writing, acting, story, cinematography and chemistry between then actors draws you in to this thrilling Christmas time slasher.
Mark Patton is Comedy gold in his role as the roaming reporter who wants to cash in on the events from the first movie. Lisa Wilcox is a stunning replacement for Cathy Podewell as the matriarch of the Connor family. She goes through an emotional Rollercoaster as she and her family try to put the past behind them, and as the past comes back to haunt them. Danny Hassel plays the role of "Everyone's favorite Uncle", and he plays it perfectly. He's funny, protective, caring, and supportive. Everything you'd expect from that character. Hayden Newman returns as Riley Connor and is less messed up in this movie. The events of the first movie still sit in his head, but he has a firm grasp on life and reality, until it all comes crashing down. Lydia Manson as the best friend is perfect casting. She's sassy, provocative, and supportive, and her acting really shines during her emotional scenes, they make you feel her pain.
James Stokes returns as Sheriff Mike, but this time he's much closer to Riley and his family. James' acting is top notch exhibiting the full range of emotions. Whether he's the overprotective Sheriff or the kind, caring "Just Mike" Stokes finds a way to shine in all of his scenes. Jake C. Young, plays the young and spunky Julian. Not much is known about Julian, but the way Young portrays him, he is a perfect foil for Stokes' character. Seeing the two on screen together was very reminiscent of James Avery and DJ Jazzy Jeff, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Evan J. Mackey and Darren Lee Cupp, are very relatable as best friends, Cameron and Wes. Their interactions felt real, and as a viewer made you think about about conversations you have with your own best friends. This acting team pulls you in, to every scene they are part of, like you're just "one of the guys". Steve Holiskey plays Jason, in the traditional role of "Straight man" to the comedic Mark Patton. Steve's serious delivery of his lines and perfect timing, elevated the performance of whomever he shared the screen with.
Mike Katz absolutely kills it in his role as Dawson. Katz' portrayal of the love interest Dawson, is a work of art. Though some of his dialog falls flat, his acting skills are above par. Whether he's portraying passion, humor, jealousy, or comedy, Katz goes above and beyond to make his role more than believable.
Chris Redmond is added to the cast, as a recast of the character Chris. While the first actor to portray Chris was good, Redmond brings something different to the role. There's more passion, more on screen chemistry, making him a more realistic character. Typically recasts are bad but I think in this case, it works. Johnna Hodge makes a suprise appearance in this movie, and without giving anything away, her appearance will absolutely take your breath away. The way she commits to her role is stunning, and she definitely has one of the stand out scenes from the movie. Rounding out the cast is a very comedic Blake Holsworth. His role of Carl will leave you in stitches, and that is all I can say at this time.
This movie has a great supporting cast, who nail there respective roles. There are some spots where the delivery of lines feels a little flat and dry, but for these young actors it is entirely acceptable to watch, they absolutely deliver throughout and as I said before the chemistry pulls you in and you get invested in these characters as the movie progresses.
Special effects are great, not just for an independent film, but for films in general. There are one or two death scenes where the SFX looked cheesy, but overall stellar special effects.
The score and cinematography are years better than the fist outing. Its like the team found their footing with the first movie, and climbed for the gold with the second. Wide angles, pov shots, and gorgeous lighting movie this story along flawlessly. This coupled with the phenomenal score, leaves the viewer riveted for the entirety of the film.
The deaths are cool but not gruesome. The love scene is tasteful, while still being sensual. The timing in this movie is on par with a big budget movie. It hits all the beats at the right times. There's drama, jump scares, and the hard one, comedy, and as the viewer you find yourself on the edge of your seat, occasionally laughing out loud from the depths of your soul.
To sum it all up. I will watch this movie again and again, and recommend it to anyone who will listen. Mark Patton's role as a roving reporter is a huge success and its due largely in part to the writing and directing of Hayden Newman. Seeing three Elm Street Alum on the same screen was a nostalgic blast from the past. Reunion From Hell 2 hits all the right beats, and will have no problem finding its place it horror history.
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