The Eye 2 isn’t a bad film, it’s just typically unspectacular as is the case with pretty much all sequels. Been there, done that, seen it all before syndrome occurs here as it does with any sequel. Starring ex-softcore porn Category III films and nude shot cover girl Shu Qi this time round, the story involves the ghostly appearances when a woman tries to commit suicide after her break up with her boyfriend only to be stopped by ghosts.

Upon her journey to try and find an explanation of what is happening with these ghosts, she’s also chasing her lover who seems to be avoiding her calls. Something has happened, and neither seems able to communicate properly. In addition to this, the girl is pregnant, and with this pregnancy more ghastly apparitions appear seemingly wanting to hurt or haunt her. In the process, she seems to become more and more deluded by the judgement of others, verging on schizophrenia as she talks to people that aren’t there.

In terms of story, this is hugely different over The Eye. I sort of liked the original, except the last quarter or half hour where it turns into an X-Files episode crossed with The Mothman Prophecies (both have an almost exactly similar bridge scene). I didn’t like the reasoning behind trying to find a 100% explanation of what was happening, and it starts to sort of flop towards then. With The Eye 2, it takes a much more subtle approach to the spiritual presence, and how it works within the film. There’s less of it visually, but when done it’s much more stylised. There are no scares whatsoever, but it does intrigue if nothing else.

The whole film works as some mystery/thriller with a sprinkling of the supernatural. One thing that finally makes sense, is that the title, unlike the first, has little to do with eyes. This film is about ghosts, so perhaps The Eye is in reference to the ability to see ghosts, and this not all The Eye films which resolve their plots around issues with eyes. What’s scary is that The Pang Bros intend to make nearly 20 sequels: The Eye 1-9 will be aimed at the adult market, with The Eye 10-21 aimed at the teenage market, presented as more of a slasher film. Talk about a one trick pony.

Visually it’s better, more sophisticated, sleeker and much more improved. There’s a definite maturity in the actual direction, looking less like a student piece. Shu Qi doesn’t a decent enough job in her role as the traumatised woman, suffering from pregnancy side effects which lead her to act violently and such; although in reality it’s the ghosts doing the bidding – or is it? I didn’t actually care.

Overall, I was pretty sedated by the experience. It’s normal for anyone to want to play doctor and nurses with Shu Qi, but it’s not enough to save the film. She isn’t that capable as an actress, and I actually find her presence in any film to be a headache. She’s pretty, but that’s all she is. Perhaps she should stick to softcore as that requires little in the way of talent. This film’s success was based on the success of The Eye; bigger budget, bigger lead star, more trendy effects. It actually did better locally, but internationally has not been close to successful, nor as critically applauded. The reason is perhaps they’ve used far too many ideas and tricks that seem generic these days, particularly when it comes to new age ghost films.

Verdict: Desperate sequel with a desperate female lead. Neither entertaining, nor frightening. Give it a miss, unless you dig Shu Qi