News

5 Reasons to Watch Wolf Creek 2

Published

10 years ago

June 18, 2014

After hitting VOD and select theaters earlier this year, the long-awaited sequel to Wolf Creek finally arrives on DVD and Blu-ray next week. John already wrote a great review that echoes my sentiments on the film, but I’d like to supplement it with 5 reasons to watch Wolf Creek 2.

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1. Mick is back – and meaner than ever!

While it wasn’t until halfway through the original film that shit hit the fan, Wolf Creek 2’s action begins with the opening scene. The audience is already familiar with Mick Taylor, the psychotic killer of the Australian outback played by John Jarratt, so there’s no reason to pretend like we don’t know his modus operandi.

Mick is even more evil in the sequel. The kills and torture sequences are more sadistic, bloody and brutal than before. There’s full-body dismemberment and the most intense version of 20 Questions you’ll ever see, to name a few.

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2. It offers a fresh take on a familiar situation.

Crafting a good sequel is no easy task. It should retain the feel of the original while bringing something new to the table. Too often, however, sequels are near-copies of their predecessors.The sequel to Hostel (to which Wolf Creek received frequent comparisons upon its initial release), for example, was essentially the same plot as the first with a different set of characters.

While Wolf Creek 2’s plot remains true to the original, the approach is decidedly different. Mick plays a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with his victim, reminiscent of The Hitcher. With the ancillary characters, Wolf Creek 2 feels like a slasher, as the is focus on Mick and how his victims will meet their gory demise. There’s even a pinch of pitch-black humor. On the other hand, the sequel still maintains the strong protagonists and the tense torture scenes.

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3. It’s on par with the original.

The first Wolf Creek still holds up well (dated only by the humorously large camcorder), in my opinion. But, more often than not, sequels lead to disappoint, especially after so much time; more than 8 years passed between the premieres of each film.

The integrity remains the same on Wolf Creek 2, however. I think a large part of the quality control can be attributed to writer-director Greg Mclean returning (who, this time, co-wrote the script with Aaron Sterns). His passion for the project oozes onto the screen, delivering a sequel that is equally as enjoyable as – and, in many respects, better than – the original.

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4. Everything is bigger.

A sequel to Wolf Creek could have easily been churned out on a low budget and sent direct to video to appease (and cash in on) fans. Instead, Wolf Creek 2’s budget has multiplied. The original was made for around $1 million, while the sequel was produced for an estimated $7.2 million.

That money can definitely be seen on the screen, as everything is amplified. Most noticeably, there’s a lot more action – including some cool car crashes, explosions, fire, guns, knives and even a horse! The bigger budget allows for more locations and actors. Of course, the body count is higher and the blood is more plentiful as well.

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5. It has franchise potential.

To build a successful horror franchise, you need an iconic character – and Mick fits the bill. He’s already a cult favorite, but he could join the ranks of recognizable genre icons for decades to come, alongside such new-school characters as Saw’s Jigsaw and Hatchet’s Victor Crowley.

Wolf Creek 2 proves that the original was not a fluke. It’s safe to say that if you enjoyed the first, you’ll also like the sequel. As such, the series has the potential to carry on with a long-running franchise. As long as Mclean and company maintain the quality and Jarratt is willing to reprise his role, the fans – myself include – will continue to flock to the films. Hopefully we don’t have to wait as long for the next installment!

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News

A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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News

Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

^{Airport ’75}

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

^Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

^Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

^{The Clovehitch Killer}

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

_Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

^Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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