Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back!

Right, well I don't recall having seen the first movie, so I wasn't really sure what I was in for when I sat down to watch the 2011 movie "Agency of Vengeacy: Dark Rising" (aka "Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back!").

But it being a movie that I hadn't seen before, and me having the opportunity to watch it, of course I managed to find the time to do so, despite the movie having such a campy and cheesy movie cover. I mean, it just felt like this was going to be a movie made by teenagers for teenagers.

Well, I wasn't in for something outstanding, that's for sure. Yet, I managed to actually sit through the entire course of this cheesy movie. And yeah, it was indeed a cheesy movie.

I will say, though, that it looked like people were at least having fun making the movie. And the low budget feel that permeated the movie was actually working well in favor of "Agency of Vengeacy: Dark Rising".

The acting in "Agency of Vengeacy: Dark Rising" was dubious, so you shouldn't set yourself up for some over the top Shakespearian performances in this movie, as you will be sorely disappointed.

As for special effects, this was a sci-fi action movie after all, well, they had special effects, and thanks for that. But they were not particularly outstanding or grand visual effects, that's for sure.

I am sure that there is indeed an audience out there for a campy movie such as "Agency of Vengeacy: Dark Rising" turned out to be. I, however, just wasn't really in that target audience. I didn't particularly enjoy the movie.

My rating of "Agency of Vengeacy: Dark Rising" lands on a three out of ten stars.

First it's a low budget sci-fi action comedy. It works well. My biggest complaint is it's just not as good as the first, I LOVED THE ORIGINAL, and apparently at the beginning Summer is getting married, but not to the person who saved her in the original. The main character and the heroine apparently broke up after the 1st movie.

That was kind of a downer and just did not make a whole lot of sense. Dark Rising is about demons, magic, sorcery, bikini babes and the movie knows it's cheeeeesy fun.

Admitting it is not as fun as the original, but still fun. It just lacks the same chemistry of the main character and his friends. Christian Cage(YES THE WRESTLER) was fantastic in the first and a shame he was not bought back. It just missed that over the top friend that typical comedies have. They did try, but I cannot believe I am saying this, Christian Cage is a good actor and great as the protagonists horny, getting laid often friend.

I will give this movie a 5 out of 10. The first one was near perfect. Keep in mind, this is a low budget, and meant to be cheeesy. You will appreciate the Dark Rising 1(Please try to watch it if you have not), and want to watch Dark Rising 2.

I really couldn't give this movie more then a 5.

The writing is stilted, the characters two-dimensional (if that) and the lead actress's primary qualities are...well... her primary qualities. She looks fantastic standing still with her mouth shut. Unfortunately her acting is awful and her stage fighting looks like a 10 year old playing "batman."

The makeup is amateurish, but the animation is okay and the CG frankly is surprisingly good, mostly demonstrating just how cheap and easy basic CG has become.

Over all it plays like a film written by high-school students, acted by first year college students and a porn star, with sfx done by mildly talented upper class college students. Despite all that, or maybe because of it, it has a genuine charm and appeal on the pure camp level. Sort of like the 60s Batman TV show.

If you enjoy camp, then go for it. But otherwise give it a wide miss.

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.

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.