The sequel that will hook you…again
Directed by Danny Cannon
Reviewed by Burnt Orange
Wow, I remember reviewing the first film back in March, seems like ages ago. I got this shortly after so I had this for over 3 months without watching it. No reflection on the film, I just stick films in boxes and forget about them half the time. This, although I’m sure everyone’s seen it, is one of those late 90s/early 00s slashers in the wake of Scream [1996], light on gore, big on redefining teens for the modern world and so on. They’re not usually bad films actually but they’re a long way from the 70s/80s slashers we all know and love. These are glossy and wouldn’t upset grandma at all but they’re still worth checking out, usually.
Jennifer Love Hewitt is back as Julie James and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson; gloss-attack right there, shield your eyes from the glare. Julie’s friend Karla Wilson (Brandy Norwood) wins a trip for four to the Bahamas. Julie’s boyfriend Ray is being all stubborn and hurt and stuff about something *rolls eyes* so he says he’s not going, then changes his mind, aarrgghh the issues! But him and his friend Dave (John Hawkes) run into the man with the hook for a hand so he’s late. Anyway Karla, her boyfriend Tyrell (Mekhi Phifer), Julie and possible new boyfriend material Will Benson (Matthew Settle) basically say “Fuck Ray” and it’s off to the Bahamas. Who can blame them? Actually Ray’s not too bad, he likes Whitesnake.
Anyway, the four arrive on Tower Island in the Bahamas. They meet Titus Telesco played by Jack Black, brilliant, and horror legend Jeffrey Combs as Mr. Brooks, also brilliant. But they also discover it’s storm season and everyone’s leaving. Meanwhile poor old Ray’s in the hospital but not for long as he disappears from the hospital bed moments later. Anyway Julie is indulging in a little karaoke when she sees the words “I still know… what you did last summer!” on the lyrics screen….
I thought this was really, really good. It’s as good as the first film, possibly better, depending which you prefer really. Like the first film it looks awesome on Blu-ray. I wouldn’t even describe it as a guilty pleasure, the late 90s slashers are what they are and I find them entertaining. There’s a bit of gore, enough to keep it interesting, I didn’t expect much. The antagonist’s good. The acting’s good. It’s what I sometimes call Scooby-Doo horror, fun but no real scares and certainly nothing disturbing, just fun really.
Also stars Jennifer Esposito as Nancy, Muse Watson as Ben Willis, Bill Cobbs as Estes, Benjamin Brown as Darick The Dockhand and Red West as Paulsen.
