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Initial Thought: I really enjoyed the first of this series. I didn't care for the remake though. I thought it was very distasteful and ruined the chilling atmosphere of the original. So I didn't really want to watch these due to that. Now I figured I would go ahead and see them. I'm sure they will be much more enjoyable than the remake of course.
Characters/Acting: Anthony Perkins returns as the iconic serial killer. It's always good when an actor can return for the sequels instead of getting replaced by someone who doesn't have the same charisma. Vera Miles also returns for this sequel. Virginia Gregg contributes her voice as Norma Bates again as well. I thought it was interesting how Norman Bates is the killer yet he is kind of pushed back into his old ways by people who just treat him with so much disrespect. No matter how insane Norman Bates is you can't help but absolutely enjoy seeing him.
Story: This takes place 22 years after the events of the first film. Norman bates wants to put his past behind him and live in quiet solitude. His past won't let that happen. I actually liked that this started with the infamous shower scene from part one. This some pretty interesting moments that really pull this together nicely. The thought of a criminally insane person trying to reconnect with society is a very real idea. I think they executed that really well here. There are so many pretty great twists and turns here. The ending was crazy and just amazing. I really couldn't expect all of what happens in this.
Directing/Writing: This is based off of the characters of Robert Bloch, but it didn't take his concept from his actual book sequel. Hollywood didn't like the way they were interpreted in his book. Tom Holland has brought us a few great classics with Child's Play and Fright Night. Both of which he also directed. He actually has a cameo in this. Richard Franklin who directs this also has a cameo. The only other work of his I have seen was Road Games which was pretty entertaining. I like that these two did cameos. It was like a homage to Alfred Hitchcock's continuous cameos throughout his career. They really did a good job honoring the previous film while also making it their own. These guys really know how to tell a twisted and insane story.
Final Thought: Sure this may be a sequel, but it feels like it's own film too. It's actually really well done and does justice for the original. If you are skeptical about seeing this don't be. I highly recommend it. It is by far one of the best horror sequels there is in my opinion.
