After reading the trivia about this movie on IMDb, I was surprised that Sinister 2 was considered a failure. This is the reason why the third movie and the crossover project with Insidious were abandoned. I really don’t have the same taste as these reviewers, I actually loved the sequel as much as the first one.
The Sinister movies are all about the feeling that something evil and disturbing will happen. In my opinion, they succeeded at that. There were more snuff movies involved in the sequel, each very creative in the way they killed their victims. I also think that Bughuul (which means Boogeyman) is as menacing as ever, leaving a feeling of you can run, but you can’t hide.
Nicolas King who plays Bughuul, apparently had Baguul put on his license plate, and had his costume stored in his closet. The guy really lived in the skin of his character. If you think that TV or movies can have an effect on your life, imagine the actors that gave life to a character other than their own person. But, that’s a topic for another blog post.
TLDR; Sinister 2 lived up to my expectations, the unsettling vibe throughout the movie is one of the best ever created. It left me with an eerie feeling of impending doom, and I love that. Maybe I’m not easily afraid due to all the horror I’ve watched in my life, but when a movie gives me the chills, it’s a win.
A controversial true crime writer finds a box of super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s. (Source: IMDB)
There’s almost no blood and no gore in Sinister. In fact, the movie could have been rated PG13, wasn’t it for the nature of its content, which is often being deemed the scariest movie ever made. As a matter of fact, Forbes Magazine conducted a study where the heart rate of the viewers were monitored while they watched a number of horror films. Out of 35 films, this movie won, having the highest average heart rate at 86, spiking at 131BPM.
Of course, whether a movie is scary or not is entirely subjective. Soforah and I didn’t have many jump scares. However, we found the ambiance disturbing, almost as if you’re actually watching a snuff movie. The fact that a real super 8 camera was used to shoot the kill clips really helps creating a creepy atmosphere. The soundtrack is also a perfect fit, I especially enjoy the song “Gyroscope” by Scottish electric band Boards of Canada.
Trivia
The family that was hanged on a tree were all played by stuntmen, however when the scene was first done the stunt coordinator botched the preparations for the scene resulting in the actors being legitimately hanged and choked. Fortunately they survived, and the coordinator was fired soon after. (IMDB)
Do you wanna know how to easily identify which snakes are non-venomous? Do the rhyme, “Red on yellow, dangerous fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack.” The snake that is seen in the movie is a non-venomous King snake.
A married couple becomes stranded at an isolated motel and finds hidden video cameras in their room. They soon realise that unless they escape, they’ll be the next victims of a snuff film. (Source: IMDB)
Another underrated gem, perfect for a Saturday evening. The tension is built through the first 20 minutes of the movie and it doesn’t let go until its conclusion. The casting is great. As usual, Kate Beckinsale is fantastic and Frank Whaley plays a really good freak.
The advertising strategy for the film made use of a toll-free phone number. The number was made to sound as if one is actually calling the Pinewood Motel. In the background, screaming can be heard accompanying the voice of the proprietor, who informs callers about “slashing” prices and the “killer” deals that the motel has, if it has a vacancy. (Source: IMDB)
