| The same things that
work in the first film work here. The campy jokes are funny and the
romance between Rick and Evelyn is cute and tangible. There is never a
dull moment in the film, with something always something happening or
on the verge of happening and this creates a reasonable amount of
suspense. The sets are quite fantastic and the cinematography is
extraordinary. The visuals and colors are vibrant and create a real
sense of mood at all times. The problem with this film is that they
have gone too far. The action is almost overwhelming... sometimes too
much action can be offensive to the senses. An audience needs to
breath and this film, unlike its predecessor, does not allow us to do
that. The first film was not entirely successful, in fact the first
time I watched it I didn't like it at all, but it grew on me. This
sequel is just too much eye candy and not enough substance, and
therefore cannot provide entertainment upon repeated viewings.
The special effects are also 'too much' for one film. It appears
almost to be an exercise in excess. Yes, I am sure it is very hard to
do all that digital 'dog monster stuff', but it just becomes obnoxious
to a viewer that simply wants to watch a story without being
constantly reminded that they are watching a effects laden film.
Effects are best when they are NOT noticed.
Rachel Weisz is the only one who shows real talent in this film...
the rest of the cast is rather wooden. This is a popcorn movie for two
hours of mindless entertainment. At least the first film had enough
entertainment for repeated viewings, giving us four or six hours of
mindless fun. |
