The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape Review (2020)

Synopsis

Two men vanish while seeking a mysterious VHS tape linked to a missing deputy. Their recovered camera reveals chilling clues about the tape’s sinister nature and the deputy’s fate.

My Thoughts

Good Points

Unexpected Direction

I quite liked how the sequel didn’t just copy the anthology format from the first film, as this time it’s a single narrative which gave it a different energy to the first one.

The Meta Angle

The idea of characters watching themselves on a tape they never made is creepy that works perfectly for found footage.

The Small-Town Atmosphere

Dark Bluff is such a creepy setting, and the way locals dodge questions and hint at things without explaining them makes the town feel like it’s hiding something and keeps you interested.

Daniel and James’ Dynamic

I liked the push and pull between these haracters – daniel’s obsession drives the story, while James’ fear grounds it more.

The Cabin Setting

The cabin is one of the best choices in the film. Its violent history and the endless windows made it feel unsafe even before the horror kicks in.

The Woods at Night

The way the forest was shot and the night vision gave it quite a suffocating quality.

Practical Scares

I did appreciate that the movie didn’t overdo effects, as the film stuck to simple tricks — shadows, long takes, and things moving in the background.

Stronger Second Half

Once they reached the cabin, the pacing improved a lot, and the atmosphere and scares stacked up.

Expanding the Mythology

The sequel didn’t just repeat the first film — it expanded the story. The cursed tape, the cabin, and the Dark Bluff connection made it all feel bigger.

Bad Points

Weak Opening

The first act dragged for me. Daniel’s dialogue felt stiff, and the early pacing just didn’t grab me like the first film did.

Acting Limitations

Both leads had moments where the performances felt flat, and while it wasn’t bad enough to ruin the movie, it sometimes pulls you out of the story.

Shaky Tone at First

The movie seemed unsure if it wanted to be mystery, horror, or paranoia in the first stretch, and while it finds balance later, the start felt uneven.

Repetitive Framing

Daniel obsessing over the tape was a bit overdone. I got the point after a few scenes, and repeating it so often slowed the pace and didn’t add much.

Minimal Answers

I wanted more explanation about the cursed tape, and while the mystery is fine, but a few more details would’ve made the story feel more complete.

Is The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape Worth Watching?

The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape takes more risks, and I respected that.

The first half is a bit rough but the second half makes up for it.

It’s ambitious, unsettling at times, and a solid step forward overall.

The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape Trailer
The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape on IMDB
Where to Watch The Fear Footage 2: Curse of the Tape

Check out my reviews for The Fear Footage and The Fear Footage: 3AM.