Three years ago I sat in a theater and witnessed a unique horror film with a bold cult flare. That movie, Adam Green's Hatchet, paid respect to the 80s genre that we all know and love. I never imagined that there would be a second dose, but here I sit prepared to rave about Hatchet II, Green's solid follow up.
In the film, which is hits theaters in a rare uncut and unrated form, we get to follow along with Marybeth as she escapes the grasps of deformed, swamp-dwelling maniac Victor Crowley and attempts to piece together the events of the night before. Unlike many current horror franchises, Hatchet II picks up right where the original left off. As a result, viewers are given the second half of one larger-than-expected story where questions are answered and even more are raised.
Horror veteran Danielle Harris joins the cast as Marybeth. And while I was originally upset that our lead had been replaced, Green did a phenomenal job at masking the make over and Harris more than lives up to her billing. Tony Todd and Kane Hodder return for this sequel as Rev. Zombie and Victor Crowley respectively. They are joined by a large number of newcomers and a few familiar faces that somehow find their way back into the story.
Anytime I walk into a horror sequel, I want it to be bigger, better and a whole lot bloodier. With nearly twice as many deaths and a much more active plot, there is no denying that Hatchet II is all three. But Green didn't stop there. Instead he went for the kill shot by crafting such unique and iconic death sequences that you can't help but put your hands together and clap in appreciation.
From a brain splatter all over the wall to a face-to-propeller blade shake up, there is a little something for everyone when it comes to this gang of hunters and their untimely deaths in the deep swamps of Louisiana. I will say that the history of Victor Crowley allowed the plot to deepen a bit; stealing a piece out of old school horror flicks. And I love how Green attempts to pile as many people into a boat to account for the highest number of deaths possible; however, nothing tops the amount of blood used to send these rednecks to their early grave.
Green's cameo at the beginning of the film is only one of a handful of cleverly placed objects within the first five minutes; I can't deny this man's creative juices. But more than that, you need to see Hatchet II for its entertainment value. Green has really caught onto something here, returning the genre to its pre-mainstream roots. He gives die hard horror fans something to get excited about, and with an unrated and uncut mass release, there is no reason you should be sitting on your couch this weekend. This film is, without a doubt, a sure fire must see hit. One of the best horror sequels of my generation. Classic entertainment in its finest hour!
