Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) Review

Tagline: Three movies. Three weeks. One killer story.

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) Review

 

I found it interesting (if a little confusing at first) that the Fear Street trilogy progresses backwards in time with each movie. It began in the 1990’s, and Part Two takes us back to the 1970’s for another slasher story, but this one is fairly different from the first.

Right away, there’s something noteworthy about the surround sound. It’s…weirdly good. Seriously. I didn’t notice it with the first movie, and it’s not as noticeable in Part Three, but for whatever reason, the sound mixer really went all out with the sound effects for this one. There were multiple moments where I looked over my shoulder because of a sound queue happening behind me, or when the sound smoothly shifts from one side of the room to the other. If you don’t have a great surround sound system at home, I hate to say it, but you’ll be missing out on one of the best parts of this thing. Also, the sound track really slaps, with a playlist of rock hits from the era including “Slow Ride” and “Carry on Wayward Son.” Alright, enough about the sound design and sound track, what’s this one actually about?

The majority of the story takes place at a summer camp, with the usual summer camp antics in motion: games, pranks, sex, and murder. There’s no horror stuff in the first part; instead, we get more time with the characters and a little more of a setup for them. Unlike Part One, the new main characters are a lot more likable from the start, including Sadie Sink who plays Max in Stranger Things. There’s a lower kill count compared to Part One, but the payoff in the later half makes it all feel worth it, and the brutality is topped by the end. There’s less variety to the slasher villains this time, though, which felt like a bit of a step down from before. The very ending, without spoiling it, has a nice little twist, and satisfactorily sets up the third film. Even though you already know there’s a third and final part to come, it still doesn’t do a cheap sequel setup ending, which I appreciated.

Director Leigh Janiak (who directed all three films and co-wrote them) said she was inspired by Friday the 13^th and it definitely shows, but once again, it comes off as a tribute rather than a rip-off. Part Two: 1978 is a solid follow-up to Part One, but for me, wasn’t quite as entertaining throughout. It’s a little more streamlined than the first, and doesn’t have quite the same fun vibe. Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion to the Fear Street Trilogy!