Since American horror has been sucking in the originality department as of late it's a nice sigh of relief that somebody still remembers how to make a good horror flick. Funny thing, we say original when the film in question is actual a sequel. Wanna know why we think the Spanish horror movie [Rec] 2 is original? You'll have to read more to find out.

Follow up:

Rec 2, a follow up to the 2007 Spanish horror film Rec, picks up right after the events of its predecessor and wastes little time getting right into the thick of things. It still employs the POV steady cam style but instead of falling victim to the oh so familiar sequel formula that rehashes what we've already seen, directors Paco Plaza and Jaume Balaguero pull the rug out from beneath so to speak. A complete premise overhaul was just what the directors ordered to keep this sequel fresh and unpredictable. And you thought the first one was scary? Rec 2 is The Exorcist meet Paranormal Activity.

In the original we experienced a mysterious viral outbreak that infects the inhabitants of a Spanish apartment building. Sealed off by police to the outside world the claustrophobic environment never expands beyond the interior of the building. This sequel finally gives us an outside perspective following a Swat team's escort of a "doctor" on a top secret mission to collect a vile of blood that could possibly cure the infection. However, the party doesn't end there. As secrets begin to unfold the story jumps back to the beginning and meets up with a group of teenagers who enter the building through the sewers. The story-lines cross until both collide with explosive results (no, the building does not blow up).

Still, multiple viewpoints aren't the only things beefed up in Rec 2. Instead of zombies and viruses the story broadens to include the spiritual and supernatural. If you paid close attention to the original this might not be that big of a twist but it still leads us down a different avenue of terror with completely new horror elements to explore. Another thing going for Rec 2 is the obvious budget increase that it greatly benefits from. Extra funds could have been easily abused but luckily they stuck to what made the first Rec so popular and didn't go overboard with cgi or a longer running time.

Not only is Rec 2 a sequel that rivals its predecessor but it can also be viewed as a stand alone film without ever experiencing the original. However, the style between movies is so similar that they can actually be viewed as one film. Horror fans now have the opportunity to watch both films back to back getting three hours of fun, excitement, twists and turns.

Will there be a Rec 3? If the filmmakers can bring the same originality and creativity to the table next time they sure leave us wanting more. Just hopefully we don't get it in the lame American remake form of Quarantine 2.

HorrorBid gives [Rec] 2 a solid 8 out of 10 stabs...