FILM REVIEW: FALL 2 (15) ESP RATING: 2.5/5
This sequel to 2022’s much-loved original strips away a lot of what made the first film such an adrenaline-fuelled thrill-ride.
That movie turned into a slow-burning streaming darling after its limited cinematic release, almost gaining cult-like status.
This sadly won’t.
The follow-up at least adds continuity to proceedings by being set along the same timeline, and is watchable enough in its own right – but is just simply a poor relation.
Harriet Slater’s Jax – sister of the deceased Shiloh Hunter (Virginia Gardner) from the thrill-seeking TV tower escapades last time round – begrudgingly agrees to pay tribute to her by conquering the treacherous plank walk at Thailand’s Mount Kwan, with Shiloh’s daredevil friend Luce (Arsema Thomas).
They travel to South-East Asia to find this legendary trek – in which you’ll encounter a dragon statue that will ‘eat your fears’ – has been restricted to climbers for well over a decade, but a determined Jax and Luce seek a non-native guide called Jon (Tom Brittney from TV series Grantchester) for a hefty ‘hazard-pay’ fee.
Of course, just like with the original, this is insanity personified – with a large helping of idiocy. Just plain lunacy that defies words.
Via centuries old corroding steel, the trio make their way up 3,000 feet to this iconic plank walk, when the expected trials and tribulations come into play to turn this attempted courageous feat into a living hell.
Especially when the weather elements help instigate a disastrous rockslide, with the inevitable circumstances leading to a life or death situation – which doesn’t need to be spoiled here.
But while the film is serviceable, it just doesn’t carry the ‘weight’ of the first movie in terms of exhilaration and emotion.
Yep, there’s a couple of heart-stopping moments – the pole jumping sequence (you’ll know what it is when you see it) without the aid of a rope is probably a highlight – but it just hasn’t got the ‘wow factor’ that Gardner and Grace Caroline Currey – who both cameo in this – served up last time round.
Unfortunately Slater and Thomas simply don’t have the same chemistry, and actually Brittney as their guide is infinitely more interesting. And a twist at the end takes it from ‘indie to Hollywood’ – and it just feels a bit more manufactured all round.
Which leaves this struggling to reach the heights to capitalise on the goodwill obtained from the original – and will probably just fall from grace with very little fanfare.
ESP Rating: 2.5/5
Gavin Miller
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Harriet Slater, Arsema Thomas, Tom Brittney, Virginia Gardner & Grace Caroline Currey
Running Time: 1 Hr 37 Mins
Director: The Spierig Brothers
Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough
For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe Cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk
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