Hostel: Part II

So many possibilities when it comes to bathtub scenes in movies. Should I reference Caligula? That old TV commercial with the memorable line, "Calgon, take me away!" Or maybe I should be wondering how soon Freddy's claw will be cutting the liquid surface shark-fin like, between Nancy's knees.

Of course, this being a modern, hardcore horror film, there's no water, bubbles or rubber duckies. Writer/director Eli Roth was definitely thinking Elizabeth Bathory for this wet scene. The literal bloodbath is not the commencement kill in Hostel: Part II, but it's the first one that makes you feel the pain, and the victim (she's the one hanging upside down, ponytail swinging, in the movie poster) telegraphs it better than Western Union.

After a head-spinning opening, Hostel: Part II settles into its own stride, quite apart from the first film, introducing us to our three vacationing American protags: brainy brunet Beth (Lauren German), good-timing blonde Whitney (Bijou Phillips) and dreamy Lorna (Heather Matarazzo). They're enjoying quiet times in picturesque Italy, but a little excitement in nearby Prague seems like a good idea when they get wind of the opening of a medieval fair in spa haven Cesky Krumlov — they're guests at a distinctive hostel suggested by their new friend Axelle (Vera Jordanova), but they don't spend much time lounging there…

Meanwhile, back at the warehouse, two new members of Elite Hunting — the exclusive club where money buys you happiness and homicide — prepare to prick their prey. Cocky Todd (Richard Burgi) and quiet Stuart (Roger Bart) both have issues to work out, but their true motivations for joining the elite cabal are only revealed till after they choose which sharp weapons they want to use on the unsuspecting American girls they've won in a bitter bidding war.

Hostel: Part II has the Grand Guignol aspects we've come to expect (and love) from an Eli Roth film, but some might find it surprisingly lacking in his usual sophomoric humor. While I like karate-chopping hillbillies / sex-crazed Icelanders / splits-doing cheerleaders as much as the next fright flick fan, I must say I found the darker, crueler tone of Hostel: Part II quite unexpected and refreshing. That is not to say there aren't a few cartoony characters, but these are more Doonesbury than Looney Tunes.

However, unlike Paxton, Josh and Oli from Hostel, our protagonists aren't as much fun to follow this time around. The four young women are not cardboard cutouts — each has their own distinct personality — but clearly, Roth writes male characters more vividly and accurately. Todd and Stuart, while they have less screen time than our heroines, leave stronger impressions after the end-credits have rolled.

Bringing much of the talent back together from his previous films (DP Milan Chadima, composer Nathan Barr, and makeup effects wizards K.N.B.), Roth makes the most of every nuance, without being self-indulgent about it. He also brings back a few things Hostel fans will enjoy, such as the bubblegum gang and Desk Clerk Jedi.

While the torture scenes are not as drawn out this time around, they're often shocking and will more than sate the bloodlust of those who believe in hard, R-rated horror. In spite of the fact the element of surprise is gone (the inevitable follow-up slump), Hostel: Part II in a solid sequel and different enough to please not just existing fans, but perhaps even serious and scary enough to win some new ones.

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