review by Josh Keown Pro
Hostel: Part II 2007
Rewatched Aug 10, 2012
Josh Keown’s review:
“Fuck no. Dude, you look anywhere in the world where there's no law... whether it's fucking Chad or New Orleans... and this is the shit people are doing, bro. We're the normal ones.”
-Todd (Richard Burgi)
Hostel ABC, 123. Part 2 of the trilogy.
Contrary to popular belief (well, generally speaking) I think I might just have preferred this entry than its predecessor for a number of reasons. First off, the formula that worked in the first Hostel is transferred largely unscathed for this one. As we already know the game from the get-go, Roth really goes to town with some imaginative scenes, many of which surpass the original for brutality.
Our trio of douchebag, total bellend protagonists are replaced with a trio of lovely ladies instead, including the always great Lauren German. The development of the two villain businessmen is handled well and, more importantly, works. Yes, much of the suspense is sacrificed as we know what’s coming, but overall it’s a more realised, superior film.
The acting is solid from the entire cast again. As said I like German in just about everything and the other two women are pretty good as well. I also thought Vera Jordanova did better than the two foreign ladies out of the first. The characters of Todd and Stuart are played well by Richard Burgi and Roger Bart and developed nicely, particularly how it all plays out in the end.
I would say also the soundtrack works better this time round. One scene in particular, when the two businessmen Todd and Stuart first arrive at the Hunting Club’s warehouse, I would go so far as saying (Dare I?) is beautiful. If there is one scene to point to in the film, that would be it for me. Everything feels a little rushed and zany towards the conclusion, but it’s not a bad film at all.
VERDICT; It takes everything that worked in the original, loses some stuff, adds others, but in its entirety is the one I’d rather go for if made to choose. Eli Roth proves, however slowly, that he is gradually improving from Cabin Fever.
One last question. Why do all the men get the tattoo on their arm, but then Lauren German have to have it just above her arse? Oh Eli, you wily devil, you.
3/5 or 6/10 (This is a high 3 or 6, just below a 3.5/7 as it’s not quite there in my eyes. Almost.)
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