Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back!

The previous reviews for this movie seem out of place. This isn't a blockbuster action movie trying to maintain any sense of realism. In fact it's making fun of them a bit.

It's an obvious over-the-top play on science fiction action movies. From the lead character being some type of advanced humanoid species (See Alice from Resident Evil) with rather large assets to the criminals who couldn't hurt a thing if their life depended on it.

The actors know how far-fetched and insane the film is and seem to have had a lot of fun making it. No, they aren't great actors – their "ok" acting ability is what adds to this "b" movies character.

It's not meant to be taken seriously. It's absolutely ridiculous and that's what makes it fun. Remember that and you'll enjoy it for what it is.

Dark Rising 2 is without a doubt a great B Sci-Fi Fantasy movie through and through. Cheesy effects, pop cultural references and fun over the top violence and sex appeal. The story now takes more of a comedic spin on itself not taking itself really seriously and focusing more on goofy one liners and slashing and blasting demons with huge knives and laser guns. Brigiite Kingsley, Landy Cannon, and Mike 'Nug' Nahrgang brought a lot of new found humor to the movie. 'Nug' was without a doubt the funniest character with his portrayal of 'Bulo'. Surprisingly to me, I found myself really connecting with most of the supporting characters which is always a good sign of good writing. Dark Rising 2 seems to have a more clear understanding on what it wants to be and that is a cheesy B-movie about a girl in a bikini killing demons. So, if you're into a really cheesy and violently sexy movie Dark Rising 2 is definitely for you.

Dark Rising (2007) was a dumb but fun fantasy comedy with ridiculous monsters and lots of PG T&A. With an unknown cast and WWE wrestler Christian it exceeded my expectations even though it still wasn't all that great.

I never expected a movie like that to get a sequel but here we are and it isn't half bad. Following on from the events of the previous film including most of the surviving cast we have more silly dumb fun but with a slightly higher calibre of comedy.

The sfx are still poor and it's hardly a well made effort but it makes up for it where it matters.

Shockingly Dark Rising didn't just spawn 2 movies but also 2 television series which I'm looking forward to diving into.

If you enjoyed the first movie I recommend this, otherwise it may be a bit niche.

The Good:

Great comedy character

The Bad:

No Christian, I mean yes he did die in the first movie but still

Aftereffects level sfx

Brigitte Kingsley is an unconvincing action heroine

This makes the first one look like Citizen Kane - if there was one of low budget Science Fiction movies. The jokes are almost all missing their mark and even tipping the hat to the first one (recapping it at some point and bringing people back - quite literally) ... it is adorable to a degree but does not help elevate the movie (make it "rise).

Beautiful actors if that helps in any way shape or form - no pun intended. But nothing much in the story department. Unless you are into low budget movies - te special effects got a bit better, but that is about it. I have not seen the other offsprings this created and I doubt I will. There's too much other stuff out there to watch

Yes, it's a comedy. Yes, it does not strive for credibility. But it's not funny, it's rather annoying. Plus, it's an impossibly insincere film - the heroine's almost only value is visual and you won't be shown more than some bare cleavage and thighs ... What is it then - an erotic heroic comedy for under-10s? Bad acting, bad special effects, non-existent script - and so probably under-10s have done it. And probably everyone who has given it a score higher than 3 is also (at least in terms of spiritual development) under 10s.