Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews

V/H/S – 2012 

V/H/S/2 2013

Directors V/H/S: Adam Wingard, David Bruckner, Ti West, Glenn McQuaid, Joe Swanberg, Radio Silence
V/H/S/2: Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Eduardo Sánchez, Gregg Hale, Gareth Huw Evans, Timo Tjahjanto, Jason Eisener
Starring V/H/S: A bunch of decent young acting talent
V/H/S/2: More decent young acting talent
Screenplay: V/H/S: Simon Barrett, David Bruckner, Nicholas Tecosky, Ti West, Glenn McQuaid, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Justin Martinez, Chad Villella
V/H/S/2: Simon Barrett, Jamie Nash, Timo Tjahjanto, Gareth Huw Evans, John Davies

Horror stories lend themselves to compilation, and these two sets are no exception.  What it amounts to are a series of stories intended to showcase the talent of writers and directors in a relatively inexpensive way.  These stories are varied, but better than many full horror films I have seen in the last 10 years.  One of the tales that supersedes it is You’re Next is the result of the some of the talent in both sets (Barrett and Wingard).

The overarching theme of the series is a collection of video tapes found within the homes of someone who is either missing (part 2) or apparently dead (part 1).  People break in for one reason or another,  While part of the team searches through the house for some sort of MacGuffin, one of the party is always left, watching the tapes.  Each tape is a reportedly real account of some amount of horror that was recorded first hand in different ways.  After each tale, we go back to the home invaders, something has happened somewhere in the house.  Something creepy.

The individual stories are a mixed bag, but one that leans more towards interesting and scary.  I will not recount the stories for you, because I think it makes it better to approach it as a mystery.  I do recommend that you research the writers and directors of the segments that you watch, because chances are, they have more to offer.  If you are squeamish, do not even try this set.  It’s as violent as anything I have seen, even more so than the Saw films.  The stories are serious attempts for young talent to showcase itself.  So many times I have seen young filmmakers waste their opportunities and sometimes, whole series (From Dusk Till Dawn 2 and 3, AVP2).

This series could go on awhile, and that’s alright with this reviewer.  This is a serious wellspring of talent so far.  There is no reason to think that cant change.  After the video success of the first film, they “rushed” production of the 2nd set.  This is usually a bad sign.  This time, we got a better film.

If you like horror, try these films.  You will like them.

(***1/2 out of *****)