A One Mann’s Movies review of “A Quiet Place Part II” (2021).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
At LAST…. as we emerge from UK lockdown, “A Quiet Place Part II” is finally about to be released. “About to be”, since I saw this pre-GA as another in what is a great list of ‘Cineworld Unlimited’ preview screenings over the next few weeks. (Well done Cineworld for coming back from lockdown with such a bang for your loyal customers!)
Tiptoe through the tulips. Marcus (Noah Jupe), Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Evelyn (Emily Blunt) on the rails. (Source: Paramount Pictures).
Plot Summary:
In a pre-title sequence, we return to “Day 1” of the events of the first movie to see how life in the Abbott’s home town changed forever when chaos reigned down from the skies.
Rolling forward 473 days later, the plot picks up on the life of Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmons) and Marcus (Noah Jupe), following the dramatic events of “A Quiet Place” and the death of husband/father Lee (John Kravinski).
The three, together with Evelyn’s newborn, set off on a perilous journey to find help.
Sssshhhh! No, not the kids… the guy in seat N4, noisily munching his way through his weight in snacks. (Source: Paramount Pictures).
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, John Krasinski, Cillian Murphy.
Directed by: John Krasinski.
Written by: John Krasinski.
‘That bus scene’ from the original trailer…. that seems years ago now (and nearly was!). (Source: Paramount Pictures).
“A Quiet Place Part II” Review:
Positives:
- Sequels often try to over-reach, lobbing-in over-the-top action and forgetting why the audience so loved the original hit. This sequel doesn’t fall into that trap, continuing the story in a seamless way. We very quickly get reinvested in the character’s dire situation (as their situation suddenly gets even more dire!).
- The pre-title sequence is perfectly paced and utterly thrilling. It’s the sequence that most grabbed my attention so many months (years?!) ago when – pre-Covid – I first saw the trailer attached below. That bus!!
- The ensemble cast works well together. Cillian Murphy is a fine actor, filling the Krasinski-shaped hole. And Emily Blunt is as kick-ass and wonderful as always. But special ‘attaboys’ need to go to the two youngsters, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. They were impressive in the first movie but here have to carry even more of the dramatic action and are just brilliant.
- Technically, the film has Oscar-worthy strengths.
- The editing here is first rate: many of the jump scares are well-signposted, but they still work thanks to the timing of the cuts.
- The sound design is (as you would expect) fantastic: once again this is a movie where snacks should be banned!
- The soundtrack, by Marco Beltrami, is great, building on his themes from the original but knowing when to shut-the-f*** up as well!
Krasinski is missed in front of the camera, but thank God his hand is on the writing/directing tiller. A great job! (Source: Paramount Pictures).
Negatives:
- It’s a genuine joy to see John Krasinski in the dramatic pre-title sequence reprising his role of Lee Abbott. But then his massive presence is missed for the rest of the movie. Perhaps killing him off at the end of part 1 wasn’t such a good idea?
- There’s a lot of ‘grief and mourning’ to contend with here, post- (or nearly post-) Covid. This didn’t affect me. But the illustrious Mrs Movie Man was ‘not mentally ready’ for it, and actively disliked the film as a result.
A new-born baby in a world where any noise will kill you…. what could go wrong? (Source: Paramount Pictures).
Summary Thoughts on “A Quiet Place Part II”:
Often a sequel doesn’t live up to my expectations. Particularly so when I’ve loved the original AND had to wait SOOOOOOoooooooo long to see it. But this time I was not disappointed. I gave the original 5 stars. This naturally lacks the originality of the premise and is – imho – less good. But not by a great margin. It’s still a rollercoaster thrill-ride that – at 97 minutes – doesn’t overstay its welcome. Sometimes ‘more of the same’ is enough.
This is also a great movie to get people back into cinemas. Because, ladies and gents, since this is a MUST SEE on the big screen, and ideally in a screen with a great sound system.
As long as Krasinski stays at the helm, I’ll personally be looking forwards to AQP – Part III, which I understand is in the works.
Trailer:
The trailer for “A Quiet Place Part II” is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzE_CxPjdZY .
This was a fine review, thank you for sharing! I’ve included a link to your work in our article about the movie: A Quiet Place 2, movie (2020)
Why thanks – appreciate the feedback sir.