Review of ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2 (2011) by Carl M — 03 Feb 2013

After nearly being killed by his would-be victims, ChromeSkull is revived by the secret agency that he has hired to assist him. As he continues to recover, one of his agents runs rogue and begins a murder streak of his own using the infamous trademarks of his homicidal employer. Robert Hall returns with CHROMESKULL: LAID TO REST 2, which unfortunately is only a mild improvement over the original. Outside of his semi-autobiographical surprise hit LIGHTNING BUG, Hall continues to prove that his major strengths lie in make-up design and special effects, and not writing or directing. This time around, there are more interesting character struggles and a stronger principle cast, but they are both outweighed by the logical inconsistencies and unresolved plot points. While Thomas Dekker puts in another passable performance, Mimi Michaels becomes entirely unnecessary, and Brian Austin Green shoots way over the top as the ambitious Preston. At least we can thank Robert Hall for delivering on the gore, with even more inventive kills and a body count that nearly triples ChromeSkull's overall score. Stuntman Nick Principe remains the strongest element in the series next to the special effects as the man behind the mask. Like with Adam Green in HATCHET 2, Robert Hall has not learned enough from fan criticism or his own experience to make this a successful film, but it does provide enough blood to guarantee him a third shot in the next sequel.

-Carl Manes.

I Like Horror Movies.