[REC] 2 - 2009

Review by Adam C. Thomas



If you’ve seen the first [REC] (which you may know also as the American version, “Quarantine”), you know pretty much what to expect from this sequel. The first follows a news reporter doing a special interest piece about the local fire department, and subsequently goes on a run to an apartment building that is ultimately infected with zombies.

The sequel picks up at the end of the first movie, when the fire department and police forces are exhausted, and the decision has been made to send in the SWAT team. Both of these movies are filmed from the first person "Blair Witch" perspective. This lends itself amazingly well to this flick. They have one SWAT guy with a regular camera, but also each member has a helmet cam to catch individual interactions. There are a couple of moments where you could tell the directors really planned the cinematography out well on this one. Whenever you wonder how they’re going to keep the first person perspective going, something happens and the problem is solved. This happens two or three times, and each time, it seemed like a stroke of genius.

The special effects in this one were on par with the quality of the film. Realistic head shots, gun shots, blood and guts are aplenty, and there are several moments that genuinely creeped me out. The first time you see the “kid” zombies, be prepared to not sleep the rest of the night. That shit’s creepy as hell.

Overall, I really, truly enjoyed this flick. It was everything a good horror movie should be: Bloody, fast paced, and wicked fun. I definitely suggest this movie to anyone looking for that perfect creepy movie, but definitely watch the first one before you watch this one, so you’re not left with questions. I give this one an 8 out of 10.