Cube 2: Hypercube

Starring: Kari Matchett, Geraint Wyn Davies, Grace Lynn Kung, Matthew Ferguson
Directed by: Andrzej Sekula
Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Eight strangers wake up in a huge cube maze, unaware of how they got there. As they struggle to escape, they soon realize that none of them are there for no reason- each has a secret that reveals something about where they are.

Review:

Tim: I surprisingly loved the original Cube movie. I liked it so much, that I sought out this film as well. As so often happens with sequels, we are given more, but more really equals less. The first film was so amazing because the characters (and the audience) are suddenly in this world of cubes, with no idea how we got there and what we need to do to escape. There were so many questions, and the fact that the majority of them went unanswered was actually one of the film's strengths- it left a great deal to our imaginations. This film takes the obvious path- give us much more information about the cube, its creators, and its purpose. Yes, there are so many unanswered questions still, but we're much more informed. Sadly, this doesn't make the film better, it makes it seem silly.

This sequel takes the film up a notch- obviously, there are much better special effects. However, the movie loses a bit of that claustrophobic feel that made the original so great. Much time is spent on some very difficult to comprehend topics. The main point here involves multiple dimensions. Typically, I am a huge fan of any film that attempts to tackle such mind-blowing issues, but it doesn't work here. It is too complicated and too poorly explained. I still can't wrap my mind around whether the hypercube is 4 dimensions, 6 dimensions (time is tricky), or some other number. This is a huge part of this film, as time and dimensions are essential pieces of the story. It is interesting, but it made me long for the (relative) simplicity of the original.

The cast leaves something to be desired. The original's cast wasn't superb, but they all put in good efforts. The writing and the dialogue here is significantly worse, and it shows. The first film really focused on the characters, their motives, and how they changed as they moved throughout the film. This movie throws most of that focus aside, as motives and character development take a back seat to the special effects.

I have been critical of this movie, and for good reason. It is certainly not up to par with the original. However, I do appreciate the film attempting to be an intelligent, thought-provoking story. Even though it fumbles on the delivery, I did appreciate this. I didn't hate this movie, but I did wish it was better. Cube 2: Hypercube is a decent movie, but it represents a big downward shift in quality and makes me content that we got one good movie out of this franchise.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Cube, Cube Zero Saw