A Quiet Place Part II

There have been many horrific, chilling and thrilling films in our past--enough to make your nerves be put on edge, but since "A Quiet Place" was released in 2018, it put a whole new twist on that description. So, three years later, we now have "A Quiet Place Part II" in the offing and it is just as much of a rush as its predecessor.

Following the events at home, the Abbott family including Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe), now face the terrors of the outside world. The film starts with day 1 of the alien invasion and how the Abbott family, along with Lee (John Krasinski) were attempting to cope with all this. Then it cuts immediately to day 474,  sometime after where the original leaves us, whereas their neighbor, Emmett (Cillian Murphy) along with Regan decide to venture out into the unknown for help, as they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path. While they are away, Evelyn stays to take care of Marcus and her new baby. 

Others to round out the cast are Djimon Hounsou as Man on island, Okieriete Omaodowan as Police officer, Scoot McNairy as Marina man, Zachary Golinger as Emmett's son, Blake DeLong as Umpire, Gary Sundown as Island person and Laura-Ashley Cristiano as Emmett's wife. 

This was rivetingly directed by John Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "The Hollars" '16, "A Quiet Place" '18) plus TV. Even though this filmmaker doesn't have a plethora of experience behind the camera, he has got to be a natural. I'm sure his being a talented, honed actor has a tremendous effect on his ability and he surely showed it in this as with its predecessor. The audience simply cringed right along with the characters in the film. Being an actor certainly can and has in his case, made him an effective director. Interestingly, Krasinski didn't want to direct this sequel, but was talked into it, and we are the victors for it. It was also brilliantly written by Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "Promised Land" '12, "A Quiet Place" '18) plus TV, based on characters created by Bryan Woods and Scott Beck. Not only was this sequel as intense as its predecessor, it was probably scarier than the original as well. And, as I mentioned in the review of the original, the supervising sound editors (Erik Aadahl mpse and Ethan Van der Ryn) were as much the stars as the stars. The sound editing and design were incredible as it, through amazing editing, set the entire mood of this film. There would be a whisper, then an accidental noise, then the chaos with crisp and loud sound effects that would make the audience jump out of their seats. Along with the visual effects/animation by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and fine acting, this film simply rocked. 

What can say, but for a film that showcases horror, drama, thrills and plenty of action where it's most needed, this film had it all! It was originally premiered in New York City on March 8, 2020, about a week before the pandemic shutdown, so since the theaters were then closed, it was pushed back to May 28, 2021. I believe if one only sees this on their TV sets, in my opinion, you will have not seen the film. This will lose everything on the smaller screen. In fact, I only wished now, looking back in retrospect, that I had seen it in IMAX, which would've been killer. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: PG-13                                            97mins.