The flesh-eating plague from the first film is still spreading and turning teens into gurgling vomitarioms of puss and blood. This film takes place a few short seconds after the first one as we see the original hero explode onto the front of a school bus right before the title sprawls across the screen, which then leads to a cute animation explaining how the tainted water has been bottled and shipped to a high school in a neighbouring town. From there we have a slight love-triangle story that is peripheral to the fountains of gore that fill the screen.
The director certainly does take every opportunity to make every moments as gross as possible. We are privy to closeups of sores, semen, blood, mutilations, genitals, miscarriage, brains, bones, a smoker’s throat piece ejecting blood and even the protagonist’s kiss has a sticky string of saliva joining their lips like an antithesis to Lady and the Tramp’s spaghetti scene…and this is only a short list because I’m so exhausted from being exposed to so much in under 90 minutes of story.
The first Cabin Fever had somewhat of a slow build to its grossest parts, whereas this film is closer related to something like a Final Destination sequel, in as such that the “action” starts right off the bat and does not let up throughout. In that sense it divides from its predecessor, but where the two films can be recognized as kin is in both wrangling decent performances from its young leads, which allows for the audience to have some sympathy for them and the horrible things they are going through. Our three heroes in this film are not just screaming at every turn, but display having real emotions for each other and actually think about what is happening.
Granted, I can only give the character building so much credit as there is fault in the subplot that features the Deputy Sheriff character from the first film. His tale seems to be building to something crucial, but then he and it literally drive out of the film without anything more to offer. His story grabs our attention as he is the one who solves the dilemma early on, but chooses flight over fight, which is not the most entertaining choice for us to witness.
During the parts with the most action, when a group of quarantining soldiers arrive, there are some awkward editing choices where the lighting partially obscures what is happening and the quick cuts can be too dizzying. Of course, any confusion this may cause is only a problem if you haven’t already looked away from the screen for you were sick of seeing projectile blood-vomit being bounced off of bodies at a high school prom.
Video
Widescreen 2.35:1. I found the picture to be too dark overall, but otherwise things are decently clear. I’m sure the impending HD version will look great, and all of the various shades of red will be amply amplified.
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. The sound was very nicely balanced. There are many chaotic scenes where much is happening off screen either because our heroes are running away from it, or they have yet to notice it. Either way, the speakers match the direction of their attention perfectly and we get the sense that we are along for the ride. All effects, dialogue and score are clear and carefully planned in speaker distribution and volume levels.
Subtitles available in English and Spanish.
Special Features
The Making of Gore Featurette: A nice behind-the-scenes look at who the characters are, but mostly how the gory money shots were created.
Prom Blows Gore Reel: For those that thought this film was a bit plot heavy, here is a compilation of nothing but the gore! Since this is what most people are watching this movie for, this might as well be called the “fan’s cut” of the film.
Trailers: Other bloody films from the good folks at Lion’s Gate.
Final Thoughts
Really, how can I criticize something that delivers exactly what you expect from it? It was relentlessly gross and the plot left you with no hope yet still managed to have some fun along the way. So, abandon all contents of your stomach, ye who enter here.
