$30.00
EVIL DEAD TRAP 2 (1992); DVD
Japan/Gore/Thriller/Cult – Unearthed Films, DVD
A sequel in name only, this second entry in the EDT-series is easily the most satisfying one. It’s as gory as one might expect from an Asian horror film, some scenes almost forcing the viewer to look away (eg: when the breaking-the-arm-over-the-radiator bit comes along) but this one has an ingenious plot and decent acting to boot. Far less derivative than the original, EDT 2 involves a young, timid girl who goes on a killing spree, her self-loathing fueling the fire. There’s also a sub-plot of an abortion gone awry, and the re-appearance of Hideki, probably the scariest child in movie history. Dream-logic, most of it, but it works. The photography is perversely stylish, the pacing hypnotic. Some images, like a wounded victim staggering forward against a full-neon backdrop, or the twisted ballet of protagonist and antagonist battling in a mesh of white sheets, will stay with you for a very long time. The soundtrack, a Goblin-inspired celesta-theme, is breath-taking, and extremely well used throughout the film.
EDT 2 is top-notch film-making all the way, and will have you looking under the bed for nights to come. Argento would be proud. ……..