The script carries itself despite sub par acting.

Rating: 9/10 (28 October 2005)

Writing, filming and producing a sequel to a film that is a surprise hit is always difficult. Doing it in under one year is even more challenging. Making it as good as the first film and in some ways better is nearly impossible, and I am pleased to say it was done.
The script is fully capable of carrying itself without brilliant acting. At times the acting seemed contrived and almost forced, with obvious exceptions from Tobin Bell and occasionally Shawnee Smith. It seemed to in many ways prove David Mamet right when he said that the actors job is to just say the lines and the script, if it is good, will tell the story itself. It does. Lacking the complete element of surprise of the first film the writers of this script, while maintaining the conventions of the previous movie, do an excellent job of adding in twists and will keep you guessing on your first run through it.
Tobin Bell is the one actor I appreciated in this movie and I may also be able to attribute much of that to the character he plays. On the whole the majority of the acting in this movie seemed to be at just above the level of a decent Haunted House tour. Not a good tour, a decent one. However the spectacle of gore and blood and the myriad of ways available for the characters to hurt, maim and kill each other will keep your mind off their performances and on keeping your popcorn down. It delivers everything and more that you can come to expect from this franchise.
If you enjoyed the first movie then you will not be disappointed with this one. You may even become giddy. If you did not enjoy the first one you will not enjoy the second one. Well, you might if the first one was just ruined for you and that took you out of it. At any rate I can assure you it is worth the cost of admission.
Oh yes, there will be blood.