Movie Review: The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007)
Synopsis
"The Hills Have Eyes 2" is a horror film directed by Martin Weisz and serves as a sequel to the 2006 remake of Wes Craven’s 1977 film of the same name. Set in the desolate Utah desert, the story revolves around a group of National Guard trainees on a routine mission. However, their exercise soon takes a horrifying turn when they stumble upon the cannibalistic family of mutants who haunt the hills.
The film begins with a brief exploration of the eerie landscape, setting the tone for the impending menace. Amidst this backdrop, we meet the group: a ragtag bunch of soldiers, including the cocky leader, Sergeant Lancaster (Michael McMillian), the strong-willed and heroic characters, and their bumbling comedic relief. The unit is sent to investigate a signal that appears to be emanating from a nearby area known for its gruesome history.
Upon arrival, the group soon discovers that they are not alone. As they venture further into the treacherous terrain, the soldiers encounter a series of grisly traps and relentless attacks from the mutated inhabitants of the hills. Struggling to survive, the soldiers must confront both the external threats of their grotesque adversaries and the internal conflicts that arise within their ranks. Their use of military training transforms into a desperate fight for survival, as they are hunted down one by one.
Ultimately, this film delves into themes of survival, camaraderie, and the thin line between civilisation and savagery, leading to a harrowing climax that contrasts the notion of honour among soldiers with their primal instincts when faced with existential threats.
Cast List
- Michael McMillian as Sgt. Lancaster
- Jessica Stroup as Cass
- Jacob Vargas as Pvt. Dwayne
- Chandra West as Pvt. Wilkerson
- Lee Thompson Young as Pvt. Lewis
- Danielle Panabaker as Pvt. Janet
- Emmanuelle Vaugier as Pvt. Crystal
- Robert Joy as Goggle
- Flex Alexander as Lt. Vasquez
- Michael Bailey Smith as The Strangers / The Mutants
Review
“The Hills Have Eyes 2” has often been overshadowed by its predecessor and the original series, yet it presents a unique blend of horror and dark humour, setting it considerably apart from traditional horror tropes. The film is characterised by a palpable tension and brutality that fuels its narrative, although it seems to ride heavily on clichés of both the horror genre and military stereotypes.
The cinematography captures the stark desolation of the Utah landscape beautifully, aligning well with the claustrophobic horrors that await the characters. This contrast between the picturesque surroundings and the grotesque elements of the mutants’ behaviour highlights the film’s core theme: the underlying horror that lurks beneath the surface of society and humanity. The landscape itself becomes a character, one that is at once hauntingly beautiful and disturbing.
The performances in the film contribute significantly to its overall tone. Michael McMillian embodies the strong-but-flawed leader in Sergeant Lancaster, giving the character depth and a potential for redemption amidst chaos. Jessica Stroup shines as Cass, displaying both vulnerability and grit, a necessary balance that keeps the audience invested in her fate. The ensemble cast brings a variety of dynamics; the interactions and conflicts among the soldiers are deliberate, exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal typical of military narratives.
However, the pace of the film can come across as erratic. The transition between moments of sheer terror and the soldiers’ banter leans heavily towards forced comedy at times, detracting from the tension that has been building. While the comedic elements may serve to lighten the mood, they often disrupt the most thrilling sequences, taking the audience out of the moment.
The horror elements themselves rely heavily on shock value, with creative yet gore-heavy set pieces that serve to elicit gasps from viewers. In this regard, the film excels. Blood spills heavily as we witness the violent confrontations with the mutants and the deadly traps they have set for unsuspecting intruders. This gruesome aspect of the film caters to audiences with a penchant for visceral horror, though it may alienate viewers who prefer subtlety in terror.
Moreover, the film’s exploration of themes such as survival instinct and moral ambiguity in dire circumstances allows for deeper discussions about what it truly means to be human. The characters are stripped of their military training and forced to confront their primal fears and instincts. Yet, the exploration of these themes feels surface-level and could have benefited from more depth and nuance, allowing the audience a more substantial emotional connection to the characters’ plight.
The visual effects are commendable for a film of its type, successfully creating a believable sense of dread. However, some moments stray into digital excess, detracting from the raw impact that practical effects could have delivered. The design of the mutants themselves is consistently unsettling — a nod to the horrific legacy of the franchise. Their grotesque appearances serve as a reminder of the monstrous potential within humanity, reflecting fears that are as old as time.
As the film draws to its thrilling conclusion, it eschews the cliché ending of a singular survivor. Instead, it embraces a darker reality of loss and tragedy, reminding the audience that survival often comes at a great cost. This choice adds a layer of complexity to the overarching narrative, compelling viewers to reflect on the themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the perils of societal decay.
In comparison to the 2006 reboot, “The Hills Have Eyes 2” feels like a different beast altogether. It struggles with pacing and narrative clarity, yet retains its terrifying atmosphere. The blend of gore, dark humour, and a rather bleak outlook on humanity underscores the horror genre’s ability to reflect societal issues through a lens of spectacle and fear.
Conclusion
In summation, “The Hills Have Eyes 2” is an ambitious attempt at a sequel that offers moments of tension and horror but falters in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative fully. The strong performances, particularly from the lead characters, coupled with its relentless horror elements, make it an entertaining watch for genre aficionados. However, it suffers from uneven pacing and a sometimes disjointed blend of humour and terror.
For those willing to overlook its flaws in favour of some intense scares and a decent exploration of survival instincts, it remains a noteworthy entry in the realm of horror sequels.
Score: 6/10
While not perfect, the film does deliver enough thrills and chills to satisfy horror fans, particularly those invested in the franchise’s legacy. It is a good entry for casual viewing, especially around Halloween, but may leave serious horror aficionados wanting more depth and substance.
