ABCs of Death 2 is the anticipated sequel to 2012’s The ABCs of Death. Similar in style to the original the film is comprised of twenty-six short films done by different directors. The directors that are picked are each given a letter from the alphabet then told to pick a word of their choosing that starts with that letter. They must then create a short that pertains to that specific word resulting in the ultimate mixed bag.
Much like the first anthology horror film, this new installment has its hits and misses. The film has directors from all walks of the genre with the most notable being Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead 2010), Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury (Inside 2007), Larry Fassenden (Stakeland 2010), Julian Gilbey (A Lonely Place to Die 2012), E.L. Katz (Cheap Thrills 2013), Aharon Keshales & Navot Papushado(Big Bad Wolves 2014), Steven Kostanski (Father’s Day 2011), Marvin Kren (Rammbock 2010), Juan Martínez Moreno (Game of Werewolves 2012), Vincenzo Natali (Cube 1998) Jerome Sable (Stage Fright 2014), and Jen & Sylvia Soska (American Mary 2012).
ABCs of Death 2 gets off to a great and original start with the very smart and clever A is for. Going into B And C which are a bit of a let down, D is a fresh and unique stop motion short that is as weird as it is fascinating to watch. The film goes on from here and really just has a lot of misses and some decent segments until S when things look back up many more great hits than misses to follow. Most Notable are A, D, S, V, W, Y and Z. Z will be a fan favorite. There are only a couple completely unwatchable segments which are just plain terrible, pathetic, and a waste of time.
Those which enjoyed the first film will more than likely enjoy ABCs of Death 2. The first film had way too many segments that were ultra bizarre and did not work. This film does not have as many weird segments and there is definitely some unique and original shorts in this film. This is an interesting film because unlike most anthologies where the audience will only get 3-5 segments this one gives them a lot of bang for your buck with two hours running time with 26 unique shorts that are almost all at least worth the film. This film will be very divided on what are the great segments and which are throwaways but that is the fun of it all. It could be discussed and dissected in many different ways and should get some good conversations started. CrypticRock give ABCs of Death 2 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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