Somehow the 2007 Spanish found footage horror film REC never made its way to American theaters and was relegated to a 2009 DVD release, which was how I REC 2, the decent follow-up to the first film, is intent on pointing out.
Picking up almost immediately where the first film left off (15 minutes if you consult the production notes), REC 2 centers on a SWAT team called in to secure the quarantined apartment building as well as protect an accompanying priest looking for answers. Each SWAT member is equipped with a helmet cam to catch the action on video as it turns out this priest is operating with the requirement everything be caught on video. Yes, things get a bit demonic in this one. It’s an attempt at creating The Exorcist as an action movie, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work. At least not to the level of the original.
The biggest failing of REC 2 is its continued use of half-baked plot devices to keep the story running. The film could have actually ended about 20 minutes in. The SWAT team could have evacuated the building with everything they needed and minimum casualties. Yet, a cliche plot development takes place and the rest of the film is spent trying to achieve the same level of success they enjoyed almost immediately. Also, a trio of teens that find their way inside the building adds nothing to the story other than more characters predestined to die and a way to expand the running time.
However, most of my issues with the film hardly resonate. Before you have a chance to dwell on something that may bother you, directors Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza keep things moving at a fast pace and have managed to cut the running time down to 85 minutes, rarely allowing for stoppage in the action. Before you get a chance to question any of the characters’ motives you’re already wondering what else could be hidden in the dark. It’s a bit of a cheat, but it works and keeps you interested.
The use of light and darkness once again adds to the film’s overall effect and it takes on an interesting twist late in the feature as night vision not only becomes a means of keeping the audience on edge, but also adds a tiny element to the storyline. Once again, this is a plot device taking advantage of the “found footage” meme and by this time in the story it may add a bit to the thrills, but it begins to wear on the audience as the overall “fresh” factor begins to wane.
I was slightly disappointed by REC 2, primarily because the first one was so good and this one doesn’t do much to differentiate itself. Fans of the first film will likely be forgiving and give this film a pass (such as I have), but I have a hard time believing they wouldn’t have preferred something that would separate the sequel from its predecessor.
REC 2 maintains the franchise feel and leaves room for a much wider bit of storytelling in the already planned next two films. I’m interested in seeing what they come up with next and hope the result doesn’t tarnish the excitement I felt over the first one, but finds a way to make it that much better.
