Cell 2, The DVD: Review By Shelley

THE CAST:

The best thing about this film is Chris Bruno (The Dead Zone) who plays the sheriff in this one as well. He is convincing and may not make the movie worthwhile but it was good to see him again. The other main cast members are Tessie Santiago, Frank Whaley and Bart Johnson. Each had their ‘moments’, but overall were unconvincing and basically terrible.

DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND SPECIAL EFFECTS:

The photography, special effects, editing and soundtrack are low-budget and reminiscent of a ‘made for Sci-Fi’ movie of the week. At one point someone is hit in the back with an axe and you can see the rubber axe folded over on the actors back. This is the kind of thing I find unacceptable in films. I do not care how short your filming time is, how could you not notice something like this when it is in production? The sound on the film is not that great either with even the beginning narrative being over dramatic and poorly overlaid.

The director Tim Iacofano is what I would consider inexperienced when it comes to movie making. He has directed some television episodes but this is his first film, thus the television feel. After seeing this movie, he should stick to television.

THE GOOD:

I have been trying to think of something good to say about this film and the only thing I can come up with is that it is not the worst film I have ever seen and I guess it is watchable once. I do suggest however if you are interested in the story, entering the mind of a serial killer, that you watch the first movie instead.

THE BAD:

The Cell 2 is your typical direct-to-video movie which feels as if you are watching a bad television film. The serial killer aspect is supposed to be scary and developed properly, neither happened in this movie. The plot is poorly written, boring and predictable. The film is filled with contradictions one of the most glaring is several times it is mentioned Maya, the main character with psychic abilities, cannot see into the conscious mind but in the beginning and at the end she obviously does just that. It is also not a testament to any police organization for none of the ones portrayed seemed to have more than a layman’s detective ability.

THE STORY (may contain spoilers):

The Cusp (never explained how or why he has this name) is a serial killer with a medical background who enjoys torturing women by killing them and then bringing them back to life. Maya was a victim of The Cusp and after being killed six times and brought back to life, she now has a psychic ability, simply by holding a personal possession, she can see their memories. After she realizes what she can do she offers her services to the FBI who quickly put her on the case of this new serial killer. Having come close to catching The Cusp, Maya becomes frustrated that she cannot save these women from death so she decides to no longer consult. Now the niece of a sheriff in a small town has been kidnapped and after contacting the FBI they realize it is The Cusp. The illicit the help of Maya again but can she find out his identity before another woman dies.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Widescreen/Pan & Scan Edition DVD

The Cell 2: behind the scenes

It thought I would watch this one special feature because I was interested to know if they explained why they deviated so much from the original film. I only made it about half way through because not only did they not offer any explanation, but the producers, director, actors all raved about the film as if it was the greatest movie ever made.

REPLAY VALUE:

Very low replay value for The Cell 2, once was enough for me.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Cell is a great film and among my favorites so naturally I was excited to see this one. I did not necessarily have any expectations, but I was hoping even with a direct-to-video release The Cell 2 would have some semblance of the first film. I was disappointed within the first five minutes because I realized they had taken an amazing storyline and changed it to a cheap psychic tale. I do not recommend this film and if you are interested wait until it is on television because it will not be long until it is.

Thanks for reading.