Sequels to generational films rarely live up to expectations. With A Quiet Place Part II John Krasinski and company added another solid entry to the horror genre despite shedding some of the emotional grounding that anchored the first film while adding in more of the stereotypical jump scares which define the genre.

It’s time to give Krasinski his due, as his horror sequel proves that he belongs in the director's chair. While narratively it’s a step back, the acting - especially from the younger cast members - is spot on. Millicent Simmonds once again proves she deserves to be in the spotlight. Newcomer to the A Quiet Place storyline Cicillian Murphy, who plays the Abbott's longtime friend Emmett, delivers a truly captivating performance as a man who has lost everything including hope in what’s left of humanity. It’s that lack of hope in humanity that causes the film to falter ever so slightly. The notion that the people remaining aren’t the ones worth savings was a message that was blasted across the promotional material yet despite a brief encounter on a dock is largely left unexplored. The score is as un-nerving as its predecessor and works well to amplify tension and jump scares.

A Quiet Place Part II doesn't quite live up to expectations incurred from the resounding success of the franchise’s opening chapter. That was always going to be damn near impossible given the near perfection of Krasinski first thriller. Still, with incredible acting, a tense score, and even more scares to be had, A Quiet Place Part II is worth braving a full theater post pandemic.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?