Review of The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death (2014) by Luciano G — 04 Apr 2015

This inevitably doesn't have the charge of the first story, but it is still interestingly weird and dreamlike, and quite disturbing. The denouement is unexpected and satisfying, while the peril provided by the Second World War backdrop cleverly matches the supernatural suspense. A commercially driven sequel, sure - but still effective. Harper's well-appointed sequel has strong performances even if the Woman becomes a supporting character in her own tale. A much bolder, braver horror sequel than most. Except for a wispy ending, it's a match for the first. There are some clumsy moments, but more problematic is the diminishing number of scares. Angel Of Death makes a good fist of distinguishing itself from the first film. The new story, devised by Hill but scripted by Jon Croker, is not a mere retread of the first, at least until the later stages. The first Woman in Black was a familiar horror story effectively told; the sequel is just as familiar, but the presentation is lacking. It may not be very clever, and the plot may be full of holes, but this sequel's clammy atmosphere is so unnerving that it manages to keep us squirming in our seats. The movie still has a few of genuine scary moments, the rest are instigated by poorly made jump scare and shock value from the blaring sound. A commercially driven sequel, sure - but still effective.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).