Full disclosure: I am a fan of the first ABCs OF DEATH, and I know many of the people behind the compilation. Having said that, it was as easy to pick my favorites in the original as it was to identify the duds. Where some of the segments completely blew me away, I would say there were an equal number of the shorts that kinda left me shrugging my shoulders. Again, the overall takeaway was a positive one despite a few hiccups here and there. That is why I am so pleased to announce that ABCs OF DEATH 2 is in a completely different league.
For those of you who don't know the premise, 26 different filmmakers are given a letter of the alphabet. From there, they are challenged to come up with a word starting with their assigned letter that represents their own unique macabre 3-5 minute short film. And this is where the real magic happens. While some of the segments are gleefully gory, humorous, or downright serious, all of them share the ever popular common thread of death.
Highlights from the anthology include a post-zombie apocalypse where the "cured" living dead literally prosecute their zombie hunting assailants; a mother extends her pregnancy way, WAY past term until the 13 year old boy or girl is conversing with her daily from the womb; two dudes stranded on a deserted island discover a woman who washes ashore and realize the true meaning of bros before hos; and 23 other terrific tales of woe.
The timing and pace of the film is spot on. While many of the pieces skew to the sickly comedic side, the deadly serious segments even out the overall tone. The result is a wickedly wild ride through 26 distinct imaginations.
If I could make any complaint it might be the lack of animation. Except for one bizarro stop motion short and an amazing Bill Plympton submission, the genre is sorely under represented. Another gripe could be that out of 26 short films, only 2 are helmed by female directors. Granted, one of those is actually directed by TWO females (the ever badass sisters Soska), however I can't help but wonder where all my ladies are hiding? If the ABC's get a third run, I really hope the producers seek out more female talent.
Minor issues aside, ABCs OF DEATH 2 knocks it out of the park for me. I laughed, I cringed, but not once did I shrug my shoulders. Don't let this one pass you by!
Cheers,
Rebecca Elliott, aka Annette Kellerman
