Director: Greg McLean
Year: 2013
Country: Australia
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Torture Slasher
Plot:
Hiking through the Australian outback, a pair of hitchhikers find themselves targeted by a psychotic serial killer who manages to ensnare another local into their encounter with the madman and begins a series of brutal back-and-forth games throughout the Outback.
Review:
This was a decent if slightly flawed follow-up. Among the better qualities here is the fact that this one decidedly enhances a crucial aspect of the previous entry in that the action with the killer is incredibly fun. From the beginning where the extended hassling from the police and the final outcome of that encounter in the bushes to the series of fine vehicular torments he puts them through with the rather toying he'll pick them up only to leave or the series of utterly thrilling high-speed car chases through the Outback roads that give this a truly engaging feel with all the high quality action displayed.
From there, this one manages to feature even more overt and brutal kills that bring this one into far more chilling territory here as the ruthlessness he exposes gives this one plenty of excessively graphic kills. The fact that this one goes for quite the fun time with the main killer here is quite enjoyable, managing to not only be utterly chilling in his portrayal of the killer but also to make for some fun while he goes through the torments and games he plays. Those come off not only as barbaric and cruel but also insanely fun due to the relaxed and carefree nature he has during these scenes which makes them far more fun than expected and adds a strong outcome to these scenes by making it enjoyable to be with him during these scenes that don't have any real horror to them.
It adds to the likable qualities on display that hold it up nicely over the few minor issues that hold this one down somewhat. The film's biggest issue is the rather lengthy and extended time it takes to do something, so the pacing to this one is a tad haphazard. The opening encounter with the policemen runs too long, the hitchhikers lost in the Outback is torture to get through, and the whole affair has an air that really goes on too long and easily could've been trimmed somewhat. The other issue is the rather goofy-looking and silly CGI used for the kangaroo massacre on the freeway, which looks so ridiculous and comical during a supposedly frightening scene that both the concept and momentum of the scene are lost due to the out-of-place effect compared to the more naturalistic efforts used elsewhere. These here are all that really hold it back.
Overview: ***.5/5
A far better than expected sequel over a lackluster original, there's a lot to like here which manages to keep this one moving along despite being somewhat let down by a few minor factors. Give it a shot if you're a fan of the original, the genre in general, or are curious about it while those let down by these elements should heed caution.
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