So 28 Weeks Later, which I saw this afternoon, manages to be even more disappointing than Spider-Man 3, even though my expectations going in were not anywhere as high. I don’t think I’m jaded when it comes to horror movies, since I don’t actually watch all that many, but I didn’t find this one genuinely frightening most of the time. Bloodier than the original, almost definitely, but by no means better, or even as good.
This one gets off to a decent enough start, then throws in some vague hints at social commentary, but it almost immediately becomes one extended chase sequence. Or, rather, a not terribly extended chase sequence, since it’s all over relatively quickly, and it never feels like all that much is at stake. Besides, of course, the survival of a couple of people we never get to know terrifically well. And whereas the first film made some really effective use of seemingly deserted London streets, this one seems so determined to best those shots at every turn — empty countrysides, an abandoned Wembley Stadium — that it all starts to feel a little gratuitous. (As does the setup for the, I’m sure, inevitable next sequel.)
So far, my summer movie viewing isn’t off to a terrific start. Even the trailers at today’s show looked exceptionally lame*.
* With the possible exception of the Fantastic 4 sequel, but, given how lame the first movie was, I’m not holding out too much hope.
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