Since U Didn't Axe Me: "Cube 2: Hypercube" (2002) Review

In the sequel to the original "Cube," 8 strangers wake up confused in a cube without any idea of why they're there. This sounds really familiar... Let me guess, they have to find a way out before it's too late?... Yes! That's exactly it! But wait! They're not trapped in a normal cube, this time it's a HYPERcube. Essentially what that means is, it's a cube with no logic or rules. Parallel universes exist, time and gravity shifts upon entering different rooms--nothing makes sense. That's what's wrong with "Cube 2" it makes absolutely no sense.

"Cube 2: Hypercube" is a 2002 film written by Sean Hood, Ernie Barbarash, and Lauren McLaughlin and directed by Andrzej Sekula. Sadly, this sequel misses the mark and rehashes the premise of the original film while fumbling through some flimsy new ideas. So does "Cube 2" measure up to the first movie? I think you can tell which way I'm leaning, but let's see!

Starring Kari Matchett (Kate), Grace Lynn Kung (Sasha), Neil Crone (Jerry), Matthew Ferguson (Max), Barbara Gordon (Mrs. Paley), Geraint Wyn Davies (Simon) and Lindsey Connell (Julia), "Cube 2: Hypercube" fails to create a cast that brings something new to the table. Unfortunately, the characters in this film are either typical (Simon), bland (Kate, the main character!) or just plain annoying (Mrs. Paley). While the first film was able to maintain a good amount of tension with a small cast, "Cube 2" features none of the suspense of the original.

What hurts this sequel so much is the overall story. It seems like the writers were being too ambitious on a low budget, and had to wrap things up abruptly--the story feels unfinished. The acting isn't great, but it wasn't great in the first film either. It's frustrating to me that the mysterious look of the original has been replaced by a sterile and boring aesthetic. Everything looks the same this time around--it's enough to drive the viewer crazy!

From a technical aspect, I suppose the director did an okay job, but some of his shots have some bad framing issues--there's some random closeups. For some reason, there's slow-mo shots and weird grainy effects used which takes the viewer out of the film.

I think it was a combination of poor screenwriting, sub par acting, boring set design, and lame visual effects that damage "Cube 2" severely.

Did I mention how lackluster the traps in this one?! What a letdown! They don't even show up until almost half way through the movie, and they suck! Yeah, the idea of parallel universes is kind of cool, but at least make the traps interesting.

As you can tell, I was disappointed with "Cube 2: Hypercube." If you enjoyed the first film even a little bit, I would still steer clear of this one.

It's on NetFlix right now, which is right where it belongs!

The Good-