Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so horror sequel has more spooky scares than gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Last Exorcism Part II
What's the Story?
At the start of THE LAST EXORCISM PART II, the possessed girl, Nell (Ashley Bell), from The Last Exorcism has been found. After receiving treatment, she's sent to live in a New Orleans halfway house for girls. Time goes by, she's able to hold down a job, and things seem to be returning to normal. Unfortunately, the demon that pestered her last time around is still interested in her. But this time, it requires Nell to accept its love before it can regain its powers. Nell tries to resist but finds that strange things are starting to happen all around her. Finally, she agrees to a procedure to rid her of the demon forever ... but even then, nothing is quite as it seems.
Is It Any Good?
Director Ed Gass-Donnelly impresses more with his economical filmmaking here than with his skill at storytelling or terror. Actress Ashley Bell returns as Nell, but otherwise, The Last Exorcism Part II is almost entirely different from its predecessor. This movie no longer uses the "found footage" angle (a shot of a dropped video camera on the ground signals this), and it develops Nell into a fully rounded character; last time, the focus was on the "phony" priest.
Looking frail and halfway ruined, the fragile, lovely Nell calls upon delicate reserves of strength to navigate her new world, and she's an appealing character. But the movie subjects her to too many routine, rudimentary jump-shock moments for her character to develop into anything memorable. What's more, not very many of the scares are particularly new or effective.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Last Exorcism Part II's violence. What is shown and what isn't? Which is more effective?
How scary is this horror movie compared to others you may have seen? How about compared to the original The Last Exorcism?
Is Nell a role model? One character tells her that she's responsible for her who she is, and all the bad stuff that happened to her doesn't define her. What does this mean? Is it true?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2013
- Cast : Ashley Bell , Julia Garner , Spencer Treat Clark
- Director : Ed Gass-Donnelly
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : CBS Films
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : horror violence, terror and brief language
- Last updated : September 12, 2022
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