IN BRIEF: Tension-filled sci-fi sequel.
JIM'S REVIEW: (RECOMMENDED) Perhaps, the one movie that I most eagerly awaited this past year is John Krasinski's sequel, A Quiet Place Place II. Seeing this sci-fi thriller on the big screen in movie theaters has finally become a reality. (Its forerunner was my top film back in 2018.) That original film was an exemplary example of efficient storytelling, fine acting, and skillful direction that caused liftoff from many seats in the theatre during its many tense set pieces. After numerous delays due to the COVID pandemic and studio's hesitancy to release it, that film's latest chapter arrives to officially kick off the summer movie season. (Dear Moviegoers, I urge you to see the original movie prior to viewing this latest installment. It's a masterwork in suspense.) In this nifty sequel, we again meet up with the Abbott family after their many scary encounters with savage aliens who can attack their prey by detecting the softest of sounds. Now with a newborn baby in tow, they journey across a silent country to seek shelter. (I might want to add a rather obvious caveat here that this just may be the best behaved infant in cinema history, but let's just move on, shall we?)
Writer/ Director Krasinski solidly establishes his suspenseful story-line and doesn't dwell on gore and grisly violence that is so commonplace with many filmmakers nowadays. There are many cleverly constructed set pieces to savor (Some highlights: a knock-out opening sequence, the first of many escapes in a steel foundry). As with his prior film, the director is more interested in the chase than the possibly bloody results. In this second chapter, he wisely inserts the events happening from Day One which helps the continuity of his tale and brings his fatherly character full circle. We view the life-altering adaptations people create in order to survive in their new world, and it becomes a sad reminder to us all as we experience the film now through a COVID mindset, making the sequel even more relatable.
While the originality of the predecessor is missing and some situations begin to strain the script's credibility in this second go-round, the film works most effectively as it builds tension with its deft usage of contrasting sound and silence, a lesson well learned by Mr. Krasinski. (The same sound design team, Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn, are back in control and sure to earn their second Oscar nomination. Perhaps they will win this time.) With minimal dialog to convey the storytelling. Mr. Krasinski's screenplay is more than serviceable as it sets up the riveting plot while hinting at the perilous situations for these well defined characters.
The visuals remain haunting as lensed by Polly Morgan and the cast reprises their roles with much gusto. Once again, Emily Blunt radiates strength and determination as Mother Evelyn but it is Noah Jupe and deaf actress Millicent Simmond who become the main focus in this sequel and the young actors are thoroughly convincing as the traumatized children, Marcus and Lee. In fact, it is the complex family drama which elevates the standard horror genre expectations once again. Contributing strong support are Cillian Murphy and Djimon Housou as two survivors who befriend the family, plus a stoic Mr. Krasinski as Papa Lee adds that needed touch of melancholy. Top-notch production design by Jess Gonchor, an ominous sounding music score by returning composer Marco Beltrami, and Michael P. Shawver's concise editing provide the film's many well-earned scares.
Not as great as the original tour de force, A Quiet Place Part II is still a very worthy successor. Let us hope these two installments will lead to a rousing trilogy in the future, but only if helmed once again by the talented Mr. Krasinski and company. (GRADE: B)
JIM'S REVIEW: (RECOMMENDED) Perhaps, the one movie that I most eagerly awaited this past year is John Krasinski's sequel, A Quiet Place Place II. Seeing this sci-fi thriller on the big screen in movie theaters has finally become a reality. (Its forerunner was my top film back in 2018.) That original film was an exemplary example of efficient storytelling, fine acting, and skillful direction that caused liftoff from many seats in the theatre during its many tense set pieces. After numerous delays due to the COVID pandemic and studio's hesitancy to release it, that film's latest chapter arrives to officially kick off the summer movie season. (Dear Moviegoers, I urge you to see the original movie prior to viewing this latest installment. It's a masterwork in suspense.) In this nifty sequel, we again meet up with the Abbott family after their many scary encounters with savage aliens who can attack their prey by detecting the softest of sounds. Now with a newborn baby in tow, they journey across a silent country to seek shelter. (I might want to add a rather obvious caveat here that this just may be the best behaved infant in cinema history, but let's just move on, shall we?)
Writer/ Director Krasinski solidly establishes his suspenseful story-line and doesn't dwell on gore and grisly violence that is so commonplace with many filmmakers nowadays. There are many cleverly constructed set pieces to savor (Some highlights: a knock-out opening sequence, the first of many escapes in a steel foundry). As with his prior film, the director is more interested in the chase than the possibly bloody results. In this second chapter, he wisely inserts the events happening from Day One which helps the continuity of his tale and brings his fatherly character full circle. We view the life-altering adaptations people create in order to survive in their new world, and it becomes a sad reminder to us all as we experience the film now through a COVID mindset, making the sequel even more relatable.
While the originality of the predecessor is missing and some situations begin to strain the script's credibility in this second go-round, the film works most effectively as it builds tension with its deft usage of contrasting sound and silence, a lesson well learned by Mr. Krasinski. (The same sound design team, Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn, are back in control and sure to earn their second Oscar nomination. Perhaps they will win this time.) With minimal dialog to convey the storytelling. Mr. Krasinski's screenplay is more than serviceable as it sets up the riveting plot while hinting at the perilous situations for these well defined characters.
The visuals remain haunting as lensed by Polly Morgan and the cast reprises their roles with much gusto. Once again, Emily Blunt radiates strength and determination as Mother Evelyn but it is Noah Jupe and deaf actress Millicent Simmond who become the main focus in this sequel and the young actors are thoroughly convincing as the traumatized children, Marcus and Lee. In fact, it is the complex family drama which elevates the standard horror genre expectations once again. Contributing strong support are Cillian Murphy and Djimon Housou as two survivors who befriend the family, plus a stoic Mr. Krasinski as Papa Lee adds that needed touch of melancholy. Top-notch production design by Jess Gonchor, an ominous sounding music score by returning composer Marco Beltrami, and Michael P. Shawver's concise editing provide the film's many well-earned scares.
Not as great as the original tour de force, A Quiet Place Part II is still a very worthy successor. Let us hope these two installments will lead to a rousing trilogy in the future, but only if helmed once again by the talented Mr. Krasinski and company. (GRADE: B)