Wolf Creek 2 (2014) - ★★★½ The Comeback Review!

Director: Greg McLean
Writer: Greg McLean
Stars: John Jarratt, Ryan Corr, Shannon Ashlyn, Philippe Klaus

Wow. Wow. Wow. When I sum up my experience of watching Wolf Creek 2, all I can say is that it is one darn entertaining, suspenseful piece of cinema! This is the kind of film that will put you through a roller-coaster of emotions. It aims to horrify the audience, and keep them in a constant state of suspense. While I wasn't horrified in the least, there were moments that had me at the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would happen next! Not to mention, the humour and hilarious stereotyping that is the serial killer, Mick Taylor, made me laugh more than it should have! He said some truly hilarious things, and his over-the-top accent and Australian slang just made the funniness of it all increase by ten-fold. So one second I would be biting my nails in suspense, and the next I would be laughing out loud in the cinema! I really liked Wolf Creek 2. It's far from horrifying, but so worth watching!

I don't really need to explain the premise of this film to those who have already seen the first movie, which came out in 2005. Basically, our despicable yet likeable serial killer, Mick Taylor (John Jarratt), preys on more unsuspecting backpackers in the deserted Aussie outback. From a cute German couple, to an Englishman called Paul (Ryan Corr) who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, we follow the horror that Mick dishes out to them in a most cracking fashion.

"SORRY SKIPPY. HEHEHEHEHEHEHE!" - Mick Taylor

There were some negatives with Wolf Creek 2, but that's to be expected. At times the German couple's love sequences seemed a little bit cheesy, but for the most part they were terrific in making us invested in their story. The opening sequence of the film, which involved two police officers, is honestly one of the dumbest, most awesome things I've seen in a horror movie. BUT, it made the film seem silly from the get-go. I came into Wolf Creek 2 expecting to be petrified with horror and disgust, but left beaming with a grin about how much fun it was. That's not necessarily a bad critique, but it certainly didn't do the job it was intended to do. Finally, I thought the ending was such a cop-out. I hate movies that end the way this one did.

Now this movie had some seriously cool elements within it. The murderer is a mix between famous serial killers, mainly the "backpacker murderer" Ivan Milat. There were heart-stopping scenes that were reminiscent of Steven Spielberg's thriller, Duel (1971). The style isn't as gritty or realistic as it used to be. It's more of a "Hollywood" film now, which I liked and disliked. I liked that because it was a better quality film, and it suited the entertainment within. I disliked it because it just wasn't as horrific as the first film.

This movie took a lot of inspiration from other great thrillers. The obvious one being from the infamous gore film, Hostel (2005). I absolutely loved Hostel, because it did things that were so unexpected, putting me in a constant state of "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT." Wolf Creek 2 had the exact same impact on me! Mick Taylor was unpredictable, as was our hero Paul. The sequence in the photo above is one of my favourites in the film. Now, I'm not a sadistic person that likes torture or anything! I swear! What I DID love, was the outstandingly entertaining banter between Mick Taylor and the "Pommie bastard, smart c*nt of an Englishman." It was thrilling and funny at the same time, which is something only the best films can pull off. Not to mention, there was an English couple sitting right behind me, who said "That'd be right," whenever Mick insulted the English! 

I think the acting was exquisite from all of the cast (except maybe the old couple within a rural house, but I won't go into that). John Jarratt is such a legend! The dialogue that comes from his mouth is absolutely ridiculous, yet he manages to make it seem like such a plausible thing for Mick Taylor to say! He is every racist Australian bogan and serial killer rolled into one big, charismatic personality. If it weren't for the silly stuff he said, I would nominate this man for an Oscar. As for Ryan Corr, he impressed the hell out of me. He captured pure fear perfectly, and is easily one of the best heroes I've seen in a suspenseful, gory film.

If you love the feeling of your heart sinking to your stomach, replaced by the feeling of a massive brick being stuck in your chest, then you will most likely enjoy Wolf Creek 2. I usually hate the sensation of watching thriller movies, yet this is a film that found a perfect balance between comedic moments and maintaining a state of serious suspense. I couldn't ask for more than that really. It was never going to be a masterpiece, but Wolf Creek 2 murdered its way into the depths of my heart forever.

Ahh... it's good to be back. Sorry for being away so long everyone. I've been busy with work, you know how it is.