While "Hostel" was very dark and creepy, this movie, while being dark, lacked the creepiness of the first one. It almost felt as though there was a happy theme behind the entire movie. This was very evident in the music. Slightly upbeat folk music that makes you smile and want to dance.

While the movie is well done, there aren't many twists or surprises to keep you interested. The movie was probably as well done as it could be, seeing that you already know what is going to happen to the backpackers at the hostel.

I'll say catch a matinee or wait until it is on DVD, but it doesn't live up to the first one.

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Wolf's right, this go around Roth really played up the yucks. While the first one was already funny due to the (very) black comedy but still managed to keep the suspense going, Hostel 2 could almost be mistaken for a family movie.

Ok that's a bit much, but there really isn't that much in the gore/torture department, as much as people like to think there is. Though, to be honest, the first Hostel actually didn't have that much gore in it either, except for key parts near the end. That aspect is toned down even more in the sequel.

The main problem here is the set-up of everything is almost identical to the first. After the brief (and, at least for me, fucking stupid) tie-in with the first movie, we are introduced to our three protagonists, who happen to be female this time. The big difference is we follow some of the potential clients as they prepare to torture the hapless victims they paid for, the three young American ladies vacationing in Slovakia. This does add a new angle to the story, as we witness the mindset of someone who could potentially brutally torture another human being. The big "twist" about these clients is readily obvious, but the insight is welcome nonetheless.

One big problem for me is Roth kept promising we would find out more about the Elite Hunting Company, and this proved to be rather untrue. Only one or two more things are learned, such as they stole some beepers from Applebees and have no respect for time zones. Seriously, wasn't it daytime all over the world, Tokyo to Oklahoma, during the auction sequence? What was that about? Oh well. In any case, it's probably a good thing to not learn too much, as the mystique would be broken more than it already was.

One part that had me cheering inside was the inclusion of a woman client, namely one who is credited as "Mrs. Bathory." Loyal readers can recall that the real-life story of Erzebet Bathory is one of my favorites, and I am usually upset when a movie tries to include her but ultimately fails. Here, though, the mention is brief, and merely a pitch-perfect homage to the mass murderess. From some of the promo pictures I saw I thought she was going to play more into the story, but having her simply as a client probably kept it from getting out of hand and stupid and pissing me off.

Another great inclusion is the Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust) cameo. Roth is obviously a huge fan of the man's work and his role in the movie is set perfectly. To say anymore will spoil it.

Ultimately, a rental will probably suffice, as much as I hate to say it. If you've seen the first one you know what's going to happen here, despite the trailers screaming about the amazing twist ending or whatever. Could've been a lot better.

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