In 2012, when Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe chose to play widowed Edwardian solicitor Arthur Kipps, it sparked heightened interest in the psychological horror thriller. Unfortunately, this feeble sequel not only lacks Radcliffe's charismatic presence but also the essential terror factor. During the Nazi bombing of London in 1941, caretakers are charged with escorting a group of children out of the war-torn city and into the supposed safety of the countryside. The group takes refuge inside the eerie, isolated Eel Marsh House, which happens to be haunted by the vengeful, darkly veiled, titular female. Much to the consternation of prim schoolteacher Eve Parkins (Phoebe Fox), the sinister apparition soon becomes obsessed with stalking shy young Edward (Oaklee Pendergast), whose parents were killed in the Blitz. As a result of that trauma, Edward is now mute, unable to scream when the menacing, malevolent spirit appears. Riffing off a 1983 novella by British horror author Susan Hill, director Tom Harper tosses in far too many convoluted plot points and characters involving the ghostly woman's complicated backstory, a stern headmistress (Helen McCrory), a local doctor (Adrian Rawlins), and fearful RAF pilot Harry Burnstow (Jeremy Irvine), who is struggling with shameful feelings of cowardice. Optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Chilling Locations” featurette (5 min.), a deleted scene (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a “Pulling Back the Veil” making-of featurette (14 min.) and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a lackluster sequel.] (S. Granger)
The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
Fox, 98 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray: $39.99, Apr. 14 Volume 30, Issue 3
The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
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