FILM REVIEW: READY OR NOT 2 – HERE I COME (15) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

A blood-soaked sequel that knows exactly what it is – and has a lot of fun with it.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come picks up right where the first film left off – quite literally. We once again find ourselves with Samara Weaving’s Grace, covered head to toe in blood, sitting outside the smouldering remains of a crime scene, calmly puffing on a cigarette. It’s an iconic image, and the sequel wastes no time throwing us straight back into the chaos.

For those who haven’t seen the original, there’s a brief recap to get you up to speed – so fear not, you won’t feel completely lost. That said, returning viewers will definitely get the most out of it.

This time around, Grace is pulled into another deadly game, but with a welcome twist. Introducing her sister (Abigail star Kathryn Newton) into the mix proves to be a smart move.

Where the first film often had Grace fending for herself, here we get a back-and-forth dynamic that adds a fresh layer of humour and energy. The banter between them mostly lands well and helps keep things feeling lively.

Weaving is once again absolutely mesmerising on screen. She balances panic, humour and sheer determination so effortlessly that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. And it’s great to see some big-screen icons join the cast this time around. Sarah Michelle Gellar brings real presence, while Elijah Wood adds his usual off-beat charm.

Directed once again by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett – the duo behind the original (and Scream 5 & 6) – the film leans even further into its mix of horror and dark comedy.

The script is kept simple – which proves to be both a strength and a weakness – as it’s fair to say there isn’t a huge amount going on in terms of plot. This isn’t a film overly concerned with depth or big swings. But what it lacks in substance, it more than makes up for in creativity – particularly when it comes to the death scenes.

And there are plenty of them.

So, if you’re happy to switch your brain off while a string of wildly entertaining kills play out – then this is well worth finding. 

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now

Cast: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, Nestor Carbonell, Kevin Durand & Elijah Wood

Running Time: 1 Hr 48 Mins

Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett

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