My quick rating - 4.6/10. I admittedly did not even know a sequel was being made until it popped up. Now it is time to check it out. We are transported back to the ominous town of Ludlow, Maine, in the late 1960s. The film sets its stage with a young Jud Crandall (Jackson White), a character deeply entwined with the macabre secrets Ludlow holds. What follows is a journey that promises to unravel a sinister family history, keeping Jud tethered to the town he yearns to escape. The film boasts a promising cast and meticulously chosen settings that initially sparked my optimism. Sadly, these expectations are swiftly curtailed as the narrative unfolds. While the cinematography impresses with its visual finesse, it oddly sanitizes the grim essence that defines Stephen King's universe. Ludlow, known for its chilling aura, appears oddly clean, lacking the gritty, unsettling atmosphere one would expect. I will give this flick some redemption in its kills. The film manages to deliver a satisfying cocktail of creativity and gore, capturing the audience's attention with its gruesome moments. Particularly memorable is the "I think I'm too high" scene, a morbidly humorous highlight in an otherwise lackluster plot. Regrettably, the film falters in its acting and writing departments. The performances are marred by inconsistency, leaving you with a sense of detachment from the characters. Despite the potential showcased by the cast, the execution falls short, failing to evoke the necessary emotional investment. David Duchovny does all he can to bring his character to life but the issues are written in. The script proves to be a weak link, lacking the depth and nuance needed to bring this dark tale to life. I just saw it emerge as a missed opportunity, squandering its potential to deliver a truly chilling and engaging sequel. While the kills provide fleeting moments of excitement, they are not enough to salvage a flick plagued by lackluster performances and a tepid script. For fans of the original, this installment might offer a nostalgic trip back to Ludlow, but it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.
As you can see, this one is a Paramount+ original flick which you can get with Amazon.
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