Black Phone 2 Review
Scott Derrickson returns with Black Phone 2, a sequel to his previous horror flick. While it features Ethan Hawke as “The Grabber,” this film tends to wander off track. At nearly two hours, it feels long before we see the menacing character in action.
Mason Thames reprises his role as Finney, but the focus shifts to Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). She has eerie visions of missing children, which add to the haunting atmosphere. The movie opens with a glimpse of Gwen’s mother receiving a distressing phone call before jumping to the 1980s, setting the stage for Gwen’s teenage life and her quest to locate the missing kids.
One standout element is the innovative use of phone call scenes, where the lost children contact Gwen from beyond. These moments create a chilling tension, showcasing Gwen’s fear and urgency. However, the film occasionally drags as the audience waits for Hawke’s character to take center stage.
Demian Bechir joins the cast as Mando, a character who may aid the kids against “The Grabber.” But waiting for Hawke’s chilling presence often feels tedious. The Grabber now appears in Gwen’s nightmares, adding a Freddy Krueger-like element that lacks the urgency of the original film.
Jeremy Davies returns as the father, dealing with the trauma of losing his wife to The Grabber. Gwen’s path to vengeance feels delayed, contributing to an impression of bloat in the plot.
Hawke’s portrayal is indeed eerie, yet it veers into the absurd during certain sequences, like when “The Grabber” ice skates around with victims. This shifts the focus away from the supernatural elements and onto Gwen’s investigation into the disappearance of the kids.
The movie does feature unique moments, particularly towards the end. For instance, an intense scene where The Grabber discusses the realities of hell adds a disturbing layer. McGraw and Thames deliver commendable performances, even as some dialogues feel contrived and unrealistic.
Despite its shortcomings, Black Phone 2 concludes quite effectively. The ending hints at a twist reminiscent of The Sixth Sense, where Gwen answers a crucial phone call that changes everything. Its 1980s setting plays a vital role, especially considering the decline of payphones.
Overall, while Derrickson’s style shines through in parts, the film leans more toward stylistic choices than solid substance. Nevertheless, it contains moments that dedicated horror fans will appreciate.
Rating: 6.5/10
Recent surveys indicate that horror films often see spikes in interest during the fall. According to a 2023 report by Statista, genre fans are particularly drawn to movies that combine elements of the supernatural with psychological thrill, making Black Phone 2 relevant in today’s viewer landscape. It also highlights a growing trend where film adaptations of popular horror novels attract larger audiences, likely boosting box office performance.
What are your thoughts on Black Phone 2?
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