Wolf Creek 2 (DVD)

For those of you who have watched the first "Wolf Creek" film you'll be very aware of it's torture gore nature, and the man who does the death dealings therein. In "Wolf creek 2" racist outback serial killer 'Mick Taylor (John Jarratt)' returns once again in all his primitive glory to cleanse his Wolf Creek paradise of foreign invaders. This time around a pair of authority abusing cops, a German couple, and a British man who just so happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time get caught up in the grisly carnage that ensues. Paul (Ryan Corr) plays the unlucky lad who gets drawn into the fray shortly after the first three killings of the movie as he stumbles upon a female victim who is trying to escape the grasps of Mick. Through an intense, and sometimes sarcastically humorous cat, and mouse pursuit Mick trails his target through the desert like a master hunter with his prey caught in the center crosshairs of his trusty rifle. Sometimes the chase takes place while Paul, and Mick are in their separate vehicles, and other times it's an on land struggle in which Paul tries to outwit Mick with his cunning.

While 'Wolf Creek 2' holds a similar feel to the previous film this follow-up sequel, and origin story finisher ups the ante with the gore factor, and adds a bit of humor where there once was none. You'll find that castration, beheadings, and finger grinding are all a part of the of the torture this time around. Even a full body dismemberment is shown with no holding back on the director's behalf. The deaths are believable, and the acting is superb with all actors, and actresses. The victims who receive the brunt of the movie's most intense moments act genuinely scared, and display shock as if they were actually being tortured to death. Mick who is the film's main focal point returns to deliver a role befitting of his previous incarnation. He's as sarcastic as ever, and is not remorseful in the slightest. He lives up to his serial killer nature while pursuing his victims, and delivering that life severing knife thrust, or gun shot. My only complaint if any is that the moments in which Mick's character is dumbed down by classical music, and comical onscreen tomfoolery make the pursuit of his victims seem less serious, or foreboding. With that being said maybe the film needed some slight comic relief after the seriously f*cked up beginning.

As far as the beginning to end plot movement goes it's a smooth ride that begins with relentless intro killings, follows up with a heart wrenching fight for survival, pauses midway for some grisly torture, and ends with a surprise that most will not see coming. Sadly the end, like the beginning is complimented, or rather plagued by hard to read onscreen typing that is meant to shed light on the the aftermath of what was supposedly inspired by true events. As such the words with a description of the fate of Paul at the end make for a somewhat poorly effective closing. I understand that the film was made by an obscure studio, and that the dvd itself costs a mere ten dollars to buy, but I would have personally loved to have seen onscreen action at the end of it all instead of the limited lazy ending application that was used.

Do I think this movie is worth the asking price? Yes, I do. For $10, which is half of what you usually pay for new major dvd releases these days you will get your money's worth, especially of you can stomach the gut wrenching torture gore. The plot, as I said plays out smoothly. Nothing seems rushed, or out of place (except for the typed ending summary). The acting itself is better than what most high dollar theatrical movie releases include these days as well. Despite my complaint about the ending being abruptly cut short like a nod to the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remake I enjoyed the thrill ride for what it was. I loved seeing the second part of Mick's Outback murder spree, and how it was wrapped up. If you have seen the first 'Wolf Creek' movie I highly suggest that you at least rent this one, so that you'll know where the series stands. If you do choose to buy, or rent the standard dvd version you will find that it also includes an extended "Butcher's Cut" which shows off the deleted scenes which are not shown during the original playthrough. It's a good extra for horror enthusiasts.

"It should be noted that I chose to view this dvd using my standard dvd player, and a 20in tube television instead of on my HDTV with my Blu-ray player."

RATING: NR (Not Rated)

LENGTH: 1 hr 46 mins

LANGUAGE: English w/English Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired

SCREEN RATIO: 2:35:1 Widescreen

AUDIO: Dolby Digital 5.1