 Hostel: Part II (2007)
Rated: R for sadistic scenes of torture and bloody violence, terror, nudity, sexual content, language and some drug content.
Runtime: 93 mins.
Director: Eli Roth
Writer: Eli Roth
Cast: Lauren German; Roger Bart; Heather Matarazzo ... complete cast
Tagline: Hostel: Part II
Genre: Horror
Memorable Quote: "Would you like a smint? " ... more quotes
Release Date: June 8, 2007
DVD Release Date: October 23, 2007
Distributor: Lionsgate
Official Site: www.hostel2.com
View the Trailer: www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/hostelpartii
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| Reel commentary: ... what hasn't failed is the usual buckets of blood, atmospheric production design, and Roth’s trademark desire to go to places most people won't ... full review |
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By Christopher Symonds
For all the recent outcries about the propagators of the 'gorno' there is one thing that can’t be denied: Eli Roth gives his all, and does his best to surprise each time he unleashes another cinematic blood-and-guts fest. Hostel Part 2, like his previous two efforts, is again instantly a film that tells you he’s about to try and take you somewhere different, but unfortunately - unlike the first Hostel and Cabin Fever – this time it doesn’t work.
In this one a trio of women represent Roth’s lambs to the slaughter. Beth (Lauren German), Whitney (Bijou Phillips) and Lorna (Heather Matarazzo) are a trio of art students segwayed from a trip to Prague by the gorgeous/friendly Axelle (Vera Jordanova) on the promise of a relaxing weekend at the best spa in Europe. Just as their predecessors, the girls find themselves abucted and prepped as victims for affluent nutjobs that wanna experience the ‘thrill’ of killing someone.
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Todd (Richard Burgi)
All images copyright © 2007 Lionsgate
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While the main premise of this sequel is the same as the first film, it’s execution is completely different. Roth makes a lot of attempts to present this film as a different experience, and for all the furore over his 'excesses' in gore and nudity, Hostel Part 2 will surprise by actually pulling back a little. This is not to say it still doesn’t have it’s share of bodily parts, either naked and/or eviscerated, but the frequency of it has been reduced and somewhat tamed. Where the real difference comes in is the explanation of how this Slovakian snuff town and it’s progenitors actually go about the business of murder-for-hire. And this is where it falls apart. Where in the first film most of this is left to the imagination, the second spells it out in great detail, and effectively renders any suspense attempted throughout the film a mute point.
We already know what is going to happen to these girls because it’s a sequel, and by spelling out the half we don’t know, this whole story quickly becomes a follow the numbers bore fest instead of a gore fest. Roth’s attempt to make us fear the fact that these snuff customers are regular suburban folks fails because there are too many of them, all insufficiently developed, and ultimately given one-note wonder pyschologies to explain why they’re there. Where he really slips up, though, is in the three main girls, who may as well have had monikered t-shirts that read: Hero; Nerd; Slut respectively. The character of Beth, without giving away anything, also becomes a collosal disappointment, being as morally bankrupt as the people she is trying to escape from.
What hasn't failed is the usual buckets of blood, atmospheric production design, and Roth’s trademark desire to go to places most people won’t. But he’s done this part of the equation twice before, and while some of the deaths are inventive and disturbing, already knowing the world we’ve entered dulls their effect each time we see it. Nothing wrong with it per se, but nothing new there either.
The pacing is not great, with far too much time dedicated to the inner-machinations of the 'Elite Hunting Group,' the girls getting to the village, cameos from some of Roth’s favourite actors and directors, and not enough on moments of tension, some sense of awareness from our heroines, and the ending - which is abrupt and unsatisfying.
'You can’t win them all,' as they say, and unfortunately, while Roth does deliver a surprising follow up to his hit, it’s not a fulfilling one.
Christopher Symonds
 Comments
Frank Says:
Nov 21, 2007 at 15:10
More Hostel: Part II quotes:
"I'm not your wife. She doesn't understand you. I do, and I see how you're strong."
"Come on, Borat, let's see what ya got."
"I'm sorry.You have such beautful skin."
"As my father always says, "nozdrovja", to your health!"
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QueenC Says:
Nov 27, 2007 at 10:29
I happened to enjoy Hostel: Part II even moreso than the first one. I believe Roth did a wonderful job of explaining some things that needed explaining, and twisting some of the seemingly 'normal' characters in such a way that, while it may have been forseeable, was still fun to watch reach that point.
The supposed 'moral bankruptcy' of Beth made perfect sense to me. I actually walked away from the film feeling as though I had gotten my money's worth and was taken on a trip of both psychological intrigue as well as a bloodbath of horror and mayhem. Which, let's face it, anyone choosing to watch this movie clearly expects that much at the very least.
Ultimately, however, I find that Roth managed to once again hit the nail on the head. He is known for films that audiences either love or loathe, and Hostel: Part II is no different. Some adore it, others abhor it. In this much, no matter what any critic might wish to say, he has delivered as promised.
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master-of-horror666 Says:
Nov 30, 2007 at 09:22
Yes Eli Roth And Quentin Tarantino Are The Brains Behind The Whole Operation.... But Let's Give Up For The Special Effects Team!! Like If It Wasn't For Them Really The Movie Would Be Just Another Typical Horror!! Gregory Nicotero And Howard Berger!! They've Done Films Like "The Hills Have Eyes 1&2" "Turistas" "Puppet Masters" "Grindhouse" "Planet Terror"! "30 Dayz Of Night"! Like Seriously They Are The Reason Your Movies Are As Gory And Relentless As They Are!! Hey Check Out Eli Roth's Favourtite Movie "Torso"!!! GROSS!!!!
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Chris (reviewer) Says:
January 18, 2008 at 10:15
QueenC, thanks for the post. You know the cool thing about movies is they're a creative endeavour, and therefore a subjective medium - so there is no right or wrong answer. I completely agree: Roth delivered a movie (I did stick up for the guy a bit). You liked it; I thought it sucked ass. Art is cool.
master-of-horror666, right on! Those disturbed/talented mo'foes are certainly worth some kudos... your monikor disturbs me. I won't argue ;)
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Screen Formats: 2.35:1
Subtitles: English; French; Spanish; Closed Captioned
Language and Sound: English: English: Dolby Digital 5.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Other Features: Color; interactive menus; scene access.
- 1- The Producers Track with Eli Roth, Executive Producer Quentin Tarantino, and Gabriel Roth
- 2- The Actors Track with Eli Roth, German, Vera "Axelle" Jordanova, and Richard "Todd" Burgi
- 3 - The Directors Track with Eli Roth
- Behind-the-Scenes featurette
- KNB's terrific make-up and special effects work
- Deleted Scenes
- Radio Interview
- International Television Special: Hostel Part II: A Legacy of Torture
Number of Discs: 1 with Keepcase Packaging
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Buy the DVD
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Buy the
Soundtrack
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| Lauren German |
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Beth |
| Roger Bart |
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Stuart |
| Heather Matarazzo |
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Lorna |
| Bijou Phillips |
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Whitney |
| Richard Burgi |
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Todd |
| Vera Jordanova |
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Axelle |
| Jay Hernandez |
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Paxton |
| Jordan Ladd |
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Stephanie |
| Edwige Fenech |
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Art Class Professor |
| Stanislav Ianevski |
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Miroslav |
| Patrik Zigo |
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Bubblegum Gang Leader |
| Zuzana Geislerová |
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Inya |
| Milan Knazko |
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Sasha |
| Ivan Furak |
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Big Guard |
| Monika Malacova |
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Mrs. Bathory |
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