Hostel 2 reconsidered

If I remember correctly the majority of horrorphiles really, really disliked Hostel 2.  I have to say I disagree.  I found it really quite charming. As a woman I found Beth's (Lauren German) journey of self discovery and personal realization insightful and honest.  Upon my recent second viewing I realized that Hostel 2 is not just about Beth's transition into womanhood, but it is also sisterhood, and the bonds of friendship.  Much like Stand by Me, Hostel 2 is about the experiences and people that shape our lives.  Like Wil Wheaton in Rob Reiner's nostalgic classic, Beth will never have better friends than the ones she had on this incredible adventure. 

Really, she won't.  Because they are all dead.

I kid.  Hostel 2 is nothing but misogynistic torture porn disguised as female empowerment.  The women are all stereotypes (the nerd, the slut, the deceiver) and the only one to get out alive is the one rich enough to buy her way out.  Yet, I kind of like this movie. I am not ashamed to admit it.  Eli Roth is a pretty damn good Director.  He keeps the tension high, the gore inventive, and he infuses it with just enough humor so you don't take it seriously.  I also loved how he set up Stuart (Roger Bart) as a somewhat sympathetic character who seems to be having second thoughts about torturing and killing pretty, rich Beth.  Then he turns complete asshole and gets what he deserves.

Dare I say I like Hostel 2 better than the original? I do.  Some say it was just a cheap cash in and basically the same film with chicks instead of dudes.  True.  But the chicks, even though they are stereotypes worthy of The Breakfast Club, are likable.  I was actually rooting for every single one of them.  The guys in the first film are douchbags.  Total, complete douchbags.  I even cheered when Paxton (douch name), played by Jay Hernandez, gets butchered in the opening minutes.  I am looking forward to
Roth's next film, be it Thanksgiving or some other ridiculous bullshit. 

The Last Exorcism: More Cat Trauma

Looking forward to this. Will actually have to drag my ass to the theatre to see it because if my cat sees one more horror film where one of his brethren gets killed he is going to be really pissed. Then I will have to watch these films all by myself. Or get another cat.

Another crap sequel: Cabin Fever 2

I am being kind of harsh.  Cabin Fever2: Spring Fever wasn't that bad.  Well, it was bad enough that Ti West wanted his name taken off the flick and replaced with Alan Smithee, which is understandable, but it has its charms. 

OK, it has it's charms is you love gross-out gore.  Which I don't.  I love gore, don't get me wrong, but I am not really into seeing blood and pus coming out of penises or strippers with infected boobs (sentences like this gets pornographers posting porno links in my comment sections.)  What I did like about this film was the homages to Prom Night and Noah Segan, who I think is super cool and should be in more films.  I mean, did you see him in Deadgirl?  He is awesome!

This film picks up right where the last one left off.  Rider Strong's character (too lazy to look up the name) crawls out of the creek and is immediately hit by a bus.  For this he gets top billing.  Some company has bottled this nasty creek water and sold it to the local high school, which happens to be having it's prom that very night.  Cut to the chase: everyone drinks the nasty water and it soon becomes the prom from hell. 

Now because "Glee" in on in about 10 minutes I will wrap this up quick.  Everyone dies.  The end.  Confession:  I hated the original Cabin Fever.  I thought it was horrible.  I love Hostel I & II.  So for a time I loved Eli Roth.  Now I don't because he is dating Peaches Geldof and that is just weird.  Anyway, I actually liked Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever better than the original which is not saying much because I hate the original.  The pacing in this movie is way off, and although you see some of West's touches (see: House of the Devil)  the film as a whole is just a weird mess.  Some nice gore and Noah Segan is all it has going for it.  If that floats your boat....  Now, off to watch show tunes.