Movie review- 2007 The Hills Have Eyes 2

"During a routine patrol of the New Mexican desert, members of a National Guard unit stop at a deserted research camp. Picking up a distress signal emanating from a mountain range, they set out to investigate, unaware that a tribe of vicious, cannibalistic mutants awaits their arrival." Directed by Martin Weisz.

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Watched this yesterday (2/6/23), lots of movies this week hah. I really like the H.H.E. movies, I've watched the 'remake/reboot' version made in 2006, and now the 2nd one. (Never watched the OG one, Maybe tonight I will..) I like the idea that these reboot ones have, of mutants who are radiated and defensive of the military nuclear testing grounds that they reside in; Adds a nice atmosphere. I'd rate this movie a good 9/10. As mentioned above, I really love the plot as it adds a dark, cool atmosphere throughout the movie, that conflicts nicely with the bright, clear scenes where they're climbing through the hills. I also enjoy the characters shown, as they are memorable through their actions and appearance. Despite wearing the same uniform, they are clearly identifiable and differential when on screen. The first and second movie demonstrated that beautifully, the characters are well designed. Also the mutants, You can clearly identify that they are different mutants, and they all have varying strengths and weaknesses that really set them apart. I'm a sucker for good character designs. :o) 

 I also really enjoy the set and place where it's filmed. Plain but pretty hills and desert, Deep and dark cave systems, and the spaces inbetween. Movies that mostly take place outside are my favorites, I enjoy the beautiful forests, deserts, marshes, etc. I also like the dialogue. It seems believable for the scene and can help tell the characters personalities, and the humor bits aren't lazily put in for comedic relief; They also sort of help drive the movie forwards, or change scenes. Another thing I like is the charm of old movies, The fashion, music, Nokias, hardware, dialogue, The movie is *Very* 2007 lol. They all have a charm that modern movies often lack. (Plus, a lot of newer movies strive for serious, gloomy looks, while older ones more often strive to look "badass", or have that 2007 "edge" hah. Second to last, I also love the ending. Didn't just end abruptly once they escaped the cave, and adds a good cliffhanger at the end. (+ that ancient menu, hahah) It ended nicely, with great room for speculation on what happens to them next. One last thing, I really enjoy the conflicts between the characters and how their personalities clash. They aren't all "BFFs", and it adds more substance to the movie. In a serious setting like there is in the movie, it'd feel strange and unrealistic if they didn't have at least one argument or disagreement throughout the movie.

Now onto the things I dislike; The sudden change from the scene in the hills with the scientists, to the soldiers in training. I was watching it on a pirate site, so I thought I clicked on a faulty, troll link hah. confusion cleared up quickly, but I still don't like the sudden jump-cut from one scene to another. A bit of a personal peeve.. I also didn't necessarily enjoy the birth scene in the beginning, or the rape scene with Missy. I understand that they're mutants and they are trying to illustrate that they are brutal, and don't value the same things that the humans do. I think they did show that well hah, I just don't think they had to show the rape scene for That long. (o_0) Lastly, the really predictable jumpscares.. After the first 2, you can immediately tell that there's going to be one. When the screen lingers a little too long on one character, when it's quiet for a long while, etc.. A little annoying because it's so easy to predict, but still a fun movie. :o)

Otherwise, I think the movies really good, I love it tons. I find that a lot of my favorite movies are made during or before the 2010s, hah. A nice, edgy old movie charm.