Hatchet 2 continues that tradition and adds to it exponentially. The rumor is that while only 55 gallons of fake blood were used for the first one, 136 gallons were used for the second. That pretty much sums up the entire film. Most of the cast returns (and in one case is one of the best gags in the script. Shawn/Justin was classic!) and pretty much ever cameo seen on screen is a who's who of independent horror films and Adam's own stable. The on screen dialog nods to other films play out just about as fast. I personally loved the "...there was a guy named Lilian Vernon" "Shut up!!". If you can appreciate that bit of dialog, this movie is for you. (For those that don't get it, IMDB: Behind The Mask). The splashing on the trees after EVERY kill has gotten to the point of Rocky Horror. I was actually anticipating it!!
The only problem I had with the film was the recast. Don't misunderstand me, I love Danielle Harris and I think she's a Direct To DvD Scream Queen. I give her props for being Generation X's Jamie Lee Curtis. But the way the two films blend together (a nod to Halloween 1 and 2) it feels a bit jarring that she steps into the lead role. I understand Tamara Feldman had a bit of a breakdown and escaped to Paris and refused to work with anyone. I hope she's ok, but it was a massive fail on her part to let this role go. Danielle does a great job, and I love seeing her on screen in just about anything, but it did take some getting used to.
The supporting cast is no less wonderful this time around. Tony Todd is back and just as over the top as ever. Kane Hodder really does send my heart a flutter most of the time (He is really starting to show age in this film though..). Ed Ackerman never fails to entertain me and plays the redneck WAY too well.
It should be mentioned that Adam Green really fought for this film. It was initially released unrated because the MPAA simply wanted too many cuts to make it an "R". AMC Theaters had the balls to put the film on screen for it's opening weekend and by Monday morning the film was pulled for content. The last film to be shown Unrated on a wide release? Romero's Dawn Of The Dead. Now Green has no choice but to milk the home market and try to recoup his costs. The film is not making it's money back considering it's budget, but this is much more due to releasing than the film being good or not.
This film lives up to the first one in every way. It's worth seeing if you liked the first one. They are little treasures of horror film making as far as I am concerned. They are absolutely NOT aimed at the General Horror Audience, this is aimed at Fans. As a Fan, I loved it.
The Gore Factor is off the charts, but it's all done tongue in cheek. This is not Inside or Martyrs. This is more Friday The 13th. Ax to the pussy, seeing nuts dangle after being chainsawed in the crotch, a new and improved belt sander scene, sex with a decapitated lover... etc. But the gore IS over the top and it's even chunky at times!
***Eye Candy***
If you like Redneck, there is PLENTY here to enjoy. Although none of it nude. I give AJ Bowen 5 stars on being so cute and having the most awkward sex scene in the history of horror films. That was great! Adam Green shows up in a cameo again and is every bit as cute as he was in the first (same character too!). Ed Ackerman is uglied up for this role so even if you are into the big boys, he's a big boy with REALLY bad teeth and hard to find him hot. But he is a nice chunk of bear meat normally. Kane is still very handsome in the flashback scenes as Victor's father.
Complete side note here, but I am wondering why Danielle Harris's name doesn't come up when discussing the Hack/Slash film? I think she'd make a great Cassie!! And we need to start a Facebook movement to get Kathy Bates to play The Lunch Lady!!
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