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Knock Knock 2 (2011)
Lionsgate
DVD Released: 8/7/2012
All Ratings out of
Movie: 1/2
Video:
1/2
Audio:
1/2
Extras:
Review by Mike Long, Posted on 8/12/2012
Although it often feels like the contrary is true, one would have to (want to?) assume that when someone sets out to make a movie, they plan to make the best movie that they possibly can. Given the time and money involved in filmmaking, we would hope that those involved would give 100%. But, when it comes to the recent spate of "found footage" movies, it seems as if barely any effort is being exerted. In face, it almost feels like there is a contest happening to make the worst "found footage" movie ever.
Evil Things and Atrocious were in the running for this title, but I think that Knock Knock 2 has them both beat.Knock Knock 2 introduces us to Jordan (Jordan Elizabeth) and Aiden (Aiden Cardei), a young couple who have just gotten engaged. On Halloween night, they decide to do something fun with their friends Stephanie (Stephanie Lovie) and Beckett (Beckett West). The girls suggest that they visit famous mysterious Hollywood locations, such as George Reeves' house or the spot where the victim of the Black Dahlia Murder was found. The guys are reluctant, but they finally agree. After stopping to look at some of the locations, the find themselves at a house where a famous cinematographer murdered his pregnant wife and then killed himself. Stephanie and Jordan are the more adventurous of the group and they decide to try the front door, which they find to be unlocked. They coax the men inside, but the door slams behind them. Now, the group finds themselves trapped inside of the house.
When we describe bad movies, we often exaggerate and fall into hyperbole. It would be very easy to say that nothing happens in Knock Knock 2, but of course, that would be a lie. The characters talk to one another and drive around and go into a house -- so, thing do happen. Now, if I were to say that nothing interesting happens, that would be the truth. If I had not been watching this to review it, I would have turned it off after the excruciatingly long engagement scene between Jordan and Beckett where the camera is 100 yards from them and we can't hear what they are saying and we can barely see what we are doing. That indicates the level of skill and thought which went into the making of this movie.
Writer/Director Chris Sheng knows absolutely nothing about pacing. We spend much of the first half of the movie listening to the group debate about what they are going to do. In these scenes, they literally read their lines as they speak out loud descriptions of the places they want to visit. This continues once they are on the road. Yes, most of this "movie" consists of us watching and listening to people read. And they describe the Black Dahlia Murder not once, but three times. Did they think that we'd forgotten the graphic details? And why mention it three times when it has nothing to do with this movie?
Once the group is trapped in the house (after nearly an hour has gone by), things don't get any more interesting. We are treated to shots of them using flashlights to look around. And as far as being "trapped" goes, this part reminded me of the recent
Spider Hole, where I kept wondering why they weren't trying to kick through the walls. Instead, we have scene after scene of Beckett and Aiden trying to pry the boards off of the windows with their bare hands. One would hope that the third act would help to constitute this as a horror film, but it doesn't. Characters yell, characters disappear, and then we are treated to a final shot which is a rip-off of Paranormal Activity. I must say that there is one interesting moment in the house which is actually creepy and I'd hoped that it was a sign of things to come. But, unfortunately, it's the lone attention-grabbing moment in the movie, and nothing else like it happens.Knock Knock 2 was originally entitled "1666", but it seems that when Lionsgate purchased the movie they wanted to make it seem like a sequel to the unrelated 2007 film Knock Knock. I hope that Lionsgate didn't pay more than $1 for this movie, as it's a pointless waste of time which shows that anyone can make a "found footage" movie, but it does take some talent and creativity to actually make a good one.
Knock Knock 2 actually contains little in the way of knocking on DVD courtesy of Lionsgate. The film has been letterboxed at 1.78:1 and the transfer is enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs. Being a "found footage" movie, we get the typical video elements which go along with the medium. The static, daytime/well-lit shots are sharp and clear, showing no grain or defects from the source material. But, once the group sets out on their quest, the image is often dark and the quick, hand-held movements result in a blurring of the image. The colors do look OK though. The DVD carries a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track which provides clear dialogue and sound effects. The track is fairly lackluster until the group gets into the house. Then, we are treated to some fairly effective surround sound and stereo effects which attempt to illustrate spooky sounds coming from off-screen. There are also a few well-placed subwoofer effects here as well.
The Knock Knock 2 DVD contains only two extra features. "Interview With the Cast and Crew" (19 minutes) has Director Chris Sheng and the four actors discussing their involvement in the film and their experiences shooting the movie. The only other extra is a TRAILER for the movie.
Review Copyright 2012 by Mike Long