The original REC was, in a word, terrifying. For anyone who hasn’t seen either yet, I whole heartedly recommend you go and watch the first, preferably with the lights off and the sound turned up. The sequel however just doesn’t live up to its predecessor, not to say it’s a bad film.

The first film was fresh. Here was the Blair Witch/Cloverfield, hand-held camera angle but used to chilling effect. The actors all felt like genuine average day people going about their business who just happened to be caught in the house from hell. Sequels to horror movies have to follow on somehow, and that normally means more people, more action and an expanded story. Aliens is a perfect example. Unfortunately REC 2 takes these points but forgets everything that made the original great.

Now we have the Spanish version of SWAT raiding the house along with a few other guests. If you want to avoid any spoilers at all, stop reading now.

Within ten minutes it’s explained that this isn’t a rabies like virus but really demonic possessions. Yes, this just turned into The Exorcist. As soon as the writers put that in, they felt free to do whatever they wanted. The terror of smacking down fellow humans is pushed aside in favour of crazed attacks. What was scary in the first is now just used for another jump.

The ending is carried off well, but overall the film has lost its credibility. It’s a real shame to see something that had such promise be churned into another thriller-horror. It’s worth seeing if you like a good shock, but don’t expect anything with the power of the former.

Rating: 5/10