A Quiet Place Part II

I always say the opening scene/sequence of a film is crucial, and even more so in a horror movie. When the title card 'Day 1' pops up at the beginning of 'A Quiet Place Part 2' you know you are in for a treat. And it is a truly great sequence. I'm not normally a huge proponent of jump-scares, however the first one in this movie absolutely got me, and I'm rarely gotten. This sequence sets the tone for the film masterfully and then everything else flows from there.

There is a lot I like about this film, but also a bit I didn't. I'll get the negatives out of the way first so I can finish on a positive note. The film missed John Krasinski in an acting role. In the little bit of time we get with him we are reminded of just how charming and charismatic he is. Cillian Murphy just can't replicate it. The film also didn't feel like it added much to the first. The story advances, but we don't get any new information. The film seems to exist purely as a bridge between the first and what I assume will soon be the third entry in the series. There's also a little bit of a hopeless feeling about everything. We aren't exactly sure what the endgame is in all this and that can make it slightly less investing.

The positives though are plentiful. Krasinski proves the original was no fluke, he is indeed a gifted director. The film looks great, in particular the monsters. The characters are again extremely likeable, particularly both of the children. Getting kid actors to make it work is so rare but these films achieve that and the film is so much better for it. Also the pacing is lightning quick. The film is basically non-stop and the credits rolling is going to catch a lot of people off-guard I suspect.

I'm a little torn on this one. I like it, but certainly a little less than the first one. It ramps things up with a lot more action and a lot more of the monsters. But it does miss Krasinski in an acting role big time and doesn't quite have the innovation of the first. It's definitely worth a watch though and I eagerly await the next entry.

If nothing else, I'm primarily impressed with how these films seem like a cinematic franchise built out of the raptors in the kitchen sequence from Jurassic Park. This is the very rare sequel that at the very least is equal to what came before and it reminded me how much I missed going to the movies.

I do not understand all the bad reviews.. I see a lot of reviews saying this one was the same as the first one, I don't see it that way. It was an extension of the first one. I also see people saying that the first one was bad and that this one is even worse. Why did you want to see this one if you didn't even like the first one? Than you probably didn't even give it a chance. I thought the movie was very thrilling. The first movie was different, this one had far more action in it. But I liked both of them equally. I saw it in theaters and was on the edge of my seat the whole movie. The acting was good, there were some nice details and it was very exciting. And yes, some characters did some stupid things, but those were things that fit the characters. If you have any empathy, you can imagine how the characters would feel and why they acted the way they did. I also really liked it that they gave an insight on how it had all begun.

The good: The film in of itself, is well made - everything from cinematography to lighting, sound, action, pacing etc. Big props for that. And of course the acting from the leads (including the younger actors) is excellent. I also like the way the 'passing of the torch' is shot - clearly defined parallels are drawn that make it easy to see the directors vision.

The bad: Probably it's biggest criticism is just how close it is to the 1st part. Whilst containing less of what made the first one special. This film is definitely more action - so it's not a complete replica, but the story beats and plotting are basically the same - hide from aliens, get supplies, escape from or stop aliens, : rinse and repeat.

Should you watch it: If you like the first one, absolutely. It's a well constructed film that moves at a quick pace (almost over too quickly). A solid horror action flick. Recommended.

This one picks up where the first one ended. There is a small backstory about the first day the creatures landed on earth. Director John Krasinski builds suspense through pacing, a slow buildup to when someone, as careful as they are, inevitably makes a loud noise that unleashes the slaughter. Krasinski likes to use wide angle shots of people running for their lives as the monsters fly into the frame. Silence is followed by a cacophony of screams.

We see more of the creatures this time, a sort of reptilian extraterrestrial concoction. Newcomer Cillian Murphy plays a survivalist who has lost everything. But the strength of the first A Quiet Place, as with the sequel, are the emotional, powerful performances from Emily Blunt, and her onscreen children, played by Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. Simmonds especially, blends courage and compassion, garnering our support, so that she becomes the hero.

The ending leaves the door open to a third installment.