FD2 is my favorite FD sequel!

Rating: 8/10 (14 April 2012)

Film franchises have become a sort of curiosity for me. Like how a new film concept comes out with an original idea and somehow it blossoms into a popular series. The Saw movies are the first ones I noticed this happening with, where the first movie was so beloved and such a surprise hit that it demanded a flurry of sequels. Harry Potter and Twilight seemed more like "planned" franchises, while Saw was a surprise. In the vein of Saw is the FINAL DESTINATION series of movies, of which I find a major guilty pleasure! While I still think the first one is the best, I really enjoyed this 2nd film in the series FINAL DESTINATION 2 (2003), which ironically seems to be overlooked amongst the sequels, but favor it over 3, 4, or 5, actually.
The first FD had a creepy horror movie gravitas that still to this day makes it the best of the series that really none of the sequels have been able to emulate. I felt like FD3 was a bit too serious and except for the leads, none of the other characters involved me like in FD1. FD4 was pure parody and juvenile, but still oddly entertaining in it's awfulness! FD5 was actually very good and I might put that one right behind FD2. I like FD2 mainly because I think it does the best job of capturing the spirit of the original FD, while having a welcome sense of humor and a wonderful ensemble cast with a lot of personality! I think of all the FD movies, I actually like the FD2 ensemble the best!
The leads A.J. Cook, Michael Landes, and Ali Larter (from FD1) are engaging, with Larter's presence tying things together nicely between FD1 and FD2. Cook and Larter are very personable (and extremely attractive!), while Landes is stalwart and reliable. The supporting cast steals the show, though! Jonathan Cherry (as dimwitted dope addict Rory), Keegan Connor Tracy (as vain, vampy businesswoman Kat), T.C. Carson (as wisecracking non-believer Eugene), James Kirk (as teenager Tim), Lynda Boyd (as Tim's mom) are all likable characters that I find myself rooting for even though I know what's in store for them!
FD2 kind of sets the stage for all other sequels being more action-oriented than the original. The series became more about characters trying to beat death than accepting their fate or just generally being creeped out, like they were in FD1. Of course, the iconic Tony Todd makes another appearance as the caretaker from hell! The first half sets the stage, while the second half really gets going when the ensemble must converge to beat death. Highly entertaining sequel!