The plot certainly isn’t looking to win any awards for originality. Once it hits the first bend, velocity takes control, and we are pinned back by one of the safest pair of hands in the industry right now. You see, Cabin Fever 2: Spring Break is a case of style over substance and, given that it is a sequel, what else could we be expecting? West’s finger is evidently hovering over the fun button with intent and once pressed we are thrown back in our seats in the same manner as when Aerosmith count us down on the Rock and Rollercoaster. Just ship in the co-eds, latex, and blood bags and we’re your new best friend. By now we’re crystal clear that this is not about to redefine the genre and that’s fine and dandy. Moreover, he uses this technique to tell the back story and brings us up to speed without the necessity for drawn-out exposition to fill in the gaps about the landslide set to commence. As a devout fan of numerous eighties comedies that rolled out the toons for the entrée, I was thrilled to see this approach adopted by West, who makes no secret of his affection for the era.
Meanwhile, I simply cannot proceed any further without mentioning the animated opening credits. Furthermore, when the driver of said school bus turns on his wipers to cut through the blood-saturated windscreen with a look of priceless bemusement, I was lubed right up and primed for the shafting. The exact moment that our first carcass literally explodes all over the screen of a mobile school bus like a Catholic priest on a confessional grate, I was all in. Indeed, it took all of a minute for it to make its mark. Thus I entered with wide eyes and tongue unraveled and resting in a bowl of ominously seasoned bar nuts. I’ve always preferred to reach my own conclusions and never more so than when the man perched behind the lens is Ti West. Sure I was mindful of the lowly aggregate score it boasted but drinking in negative “reviews” is an act I have no wish to partake in. To be honest, I never doubted it once prior to my first exposure. So let’s wax a little about why I believe Cabin Fever 2: Spring Break has yet to be held in the esteem it is deserving. It simply didn’t resonate as strongly, appeared a little phoned-in and, while that isn’t to suggest it lacked any merit whatsoever, it did get a little lost in the crowd. While being aware of his involvement made The ABCs of Death a more exciting proposition, in truth, his entry fell flat amongst other more distinguished vignettes. However, one thing I’m never culpable of is having blinkered vision and M is for Miscarriage offers proof of this claim. Furthermore, I go unnecessary every time I receive even the faintest whiff that his name is attached to another project. Since my first evening with his retro-styled occult picture I have flown its flag proudly. He literally did no wrong and The House Of The Devil stands head and bloody shoulders above nigh-on all post-millennium horror flicks in my humble opinion. I defy anybody watching that with a fresh vantage and no prior knowledge to suggest otherwise. It managed effortlessly to, not only capture the feel of a film from thirty years prior, but to appear as though it could only have been made then and that is some achievement.
It doesn’t take a decade for me to reach a final judgement and, to me, West’s film was the epitome of perfection. I get that a piece of modern work needs time to marinate with folk in order to ascertain its relevance in the grand scheme of things and am the first to adjust my rating if I spot such class on repeat visits. It seems unjust that such a score could ever be questioned as I believe that, in ten years or so, my view will be shared by many critics.
Some say that can’t be achieved and to that I say poppycock. As you will now be aware, The House Of The Devil received a perfect ten from me, one that I stand by resolutely as this is a piece of art which I believe to be absolute perfection. You may have read my appraisal for Ti West’s The House of the Devil and, if you haven’t, then I urge you to do so by clicking here before we proceed any further. Let me tell you about this particular director and why I believe Cabin Fever 2: Spring Break received such a scathing response from shortsighted critics the world over. That said, should my blood boil enough then the Crimson Quill simply has to bleed and, right now, it wishes to downright gush. I struggle to apprehend why said works are vilified or met with such unanimous indifference but each to their own I guess. You see, certain films suffer injustices which I feel are entirely unwarranted and in dire need of correction. Time to set some things straight Grueheads.