The Skulls 2

Starring:Robin Dunne, Nathan West, Ashley Cafagna-Tesoro, Lindy Booth, James Gallanders, Christopher Ralph, Aaron Ashmore, Andrew Gillies, Stephen Young, Simon Reynolds, Ardon Bess, Sandi Ross, Margot Gagnon, Patric Masurkevitch, R.D. Reid, Edie Inksetter, Scott Wickware, William Lazar
Director: Joe Chappelle
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

WOW DANG ONE OF THE BEST MOVE FOR SHORE
[Out of Five] Continuation of secret Society / Fraternity...
NOTHING NEW
Alright, what did the skulls give you?
Low Budget copy of the original

The Skulls 2
Starring: Robin Dunne , Nathan West , Ashley Cafagna-Tesoro , Lindy Booth , and James Gallanders
Director: Joe Chappelle
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Skulls 3
The Skulls (Collector's Edition)
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Cruel Intentions 2
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ASIN: B0000630SO
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Customer Reviews:

WOW DANG ONE OF THE BEST MOVE FOR SHORE.......2007-05-08

NOW I COULD EASYLY SAY THIS WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE GRATEST MOVE EVER MADE IN THE WORLD THAT IS SO FOR SHORE & THAT IS PUTTING IT LIGHTLY

[Out of Five] Continuation of secret Society / Fraternity..........2006-06-29

Doesn't further develop anything reveling
though. Characters more likable than first
but not enough suspence (or conspiracy) to
top the first and most original in this Se-
ries. Yes, Virginia, it is about THAT Frat-
ernity, the Skull and Bones of Yale. Or at
least it's Jr. Varsity, the Scroll and Key
[see: Fritz Springmeier's 'Bloodlines of
the Illuminati' for definitive treatment!].

NOTHING NEW.......2005-11-05

If you've seen THE SKULLS, the first in this suspense trilogy, then you won't find too much new in this second entry. Once again, a naively innocent young man seeks initiation into this supersecret clan of collegiate powerhouses who demand secrecy in all they do. When a young girl is accidentally murdered and the crime covered up, our hero steps up to expose the organization, but not without resistance from the group. There's not a whole lot of suspense generated, with the outcome fairly predictable. Robin Dunne doesn't have the charismatic presence to command the movie and the supporting players don't fare much better, although Lindy Booth does well in the role of the innocent Kelly. This direct to video did well enough, though, that it spawned a third entry, this one with a girl trying to infiltrate the group.

Alright, what did the skulls give you? .......2004-11-10

So, where should I go with this one? I am pretty sure that most can realize how bad of a film this was without needing me to spell it out for you, but then some of us do need guides, so here it goes. The Skulls II is a classic example of a movie company trying to monopolize on the semi-success of the original. Using the rules of low-budget sequel making, they get lesser-known actors to replace the better known actors from the original. They repeat several select scenes that resemble the original so that the audience doesn't get confused, while all the while continuing with a similar story from the original. At first glance, you may not realize that there is a difference between these two films outside of the grade D actors that are trying to make a name for themselves. When will Hollywood realize that they need to stop doing this? The original Skulls film was not a box-office sensation, so why suck even more money from an already dried well? Then to see that there is already another film released for those of us that are foaming at the mouth to get more of this secret society makes me sick. Why Hollywood, why?

Let me begin by getting the shredder out. The acting was horrible. I mean, I have seen some bad acting in many of the films that I have seen over the years, but that done by Robin Dunne and Nathan West was despicable. It was obvious from the opening sequence that they were more excited about being in a film than the overall quality of the film. This was not a good sign. The only successful task that these young actors did for me was taking me from minute zero to minute ninety-eight. The progressed the film, if that is what you want to call it. Of course, how can you act if you are handed shoddy material anyway? None of these characters were developed or better yet underdeveloped. I would have been happier with underdeveloped characters because I could have blamed the writers, but instead I have found that both are to blame. For lack of a better word, the actors in this film were lazy. They accepted bad parts for money, and that is never a way to boost your career. If you have noticed, these guys haven't gone further with their jobs, and I would be blaming this film if I were them for their lack of good employment.

Another aspect to toss in the shredder is the concept of continuity. When one directs a film, you must possess within your bag of goodness the ability to move the characters from point A to point B fluently. For those of you that have seen this film, you will probably agree with me that director Joe Chappelle did not have this talent. There were so many holes in this story that he tried to fill with scenes from the original that forced Chappelle to shoot himself in the foot. I could not get involved with the plot of this film because one moment the organization was doing something, and the next they were doing something completely the opposite. Perhaps it was the laziness of the characters that opened these holes, but we cannot leave out Chappelle. He should have pushed his team further and used his leadership abilities. I have spoken before that I felt as if the actors were there to collect a paycheck and jump-start their careers, I feel the same about Joe Chappelle. Could he not see the overall awfulness of this film? When did he finally look at the finished product and say, "We have an Oscar winner here!" If he said this, then I would question Chappelle's ability to direct.

Finally, I would like to make a quick comment about the use of CGI in this film. For those of you who have seen this horrible, horrible film, you probably missed it because of the burning sensation coming from your eyes. It says something about a film when the only use of CGI is on a trashcan. A trashcan being hurled towards a person is a waste of studio money and viewers patience. I laughed hysterically when I saw this because I could see Chappelle getting excited about this scene. What kind of damage could a plastic trash can do to anyone? It is a tough question, and I am thankful that hard-earned money went towards the creation of this piece of cinematic history.

Overall, I have had enough about this organization. For this series to continue, the creators, directors, or film studios will have to completely break the norm and go out on a limb. As I can see from the next one it looks like they have a woman that wants to join the organization. That is not the limb that I am talking about. This (now trilogy) was failed from the beginning, yet the Hollywood recycle factor chose to release it over and over again. It was sad to see these actors and director fail, but it should have been obvious from the beginning when they were handed the direct-to-video release script for The Skulls II. I encourage you to avoid this film at all costs. There is nothing redeemable in it at all.

Grade: * out of *****

Low Budget copy of the original.......2004-06-11

The "Skulls" premise, based on well-established rumors and reports about Yale University's Skull & Bones Order, is a useful basis for a suspense movie. The 1st film was solid and featured quality actors and direction. This sequel has none of the same cast and was straight to video. It basically repeats the same plot theme of the 1st movie. This movie tries to be more racy than the first yet has weaker drama and dialogue. It was disappointing - perhaps someone will make a film about the real "Skulls" which would be MUCH more dark and suspenseful than the fictional "Skulls."

Average customer rating:

Great first movie, HORRIBLE second one
Two excellent movies

The Skulls / The Skulls 2
Starring: Derek Aasland , David Asman , Nigel Bennett , Leslie Bibb , and David Christo
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000633T7
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Customer Reviews:

Great first movie, HORRIBLE second one.......2002-12-17

I do'nt understand how you can call a movie a 'sequal' if it doesn't even have the same cast, half the same idea, etc.

I reread it and wouldn't be angry if someone put this in the review and I read it, and it's really not the major plot
****Spoiler for the second movie (maybe)!!! ****
The second movie was based on the same initial dillema. Have to get something from somewhere because somebody got killed. Going from best friends (first movie) to someone you don't know (second) is a little far fetched, and actually really dumb. I hated the second movie so much for what it could have been.
**** /End Spoiler ****

All in all I absolutely loved the first movie and the way it ended...

Two excellent movies.......2002-07-02

These are two excellent movies well worth buying together. I had bought this half expecting Skulls II to be like most sequels released on just video and to be not all that good. I was wrong. It was well done and didn't try and play too much off of the first movie, but rather used the original enough to establish a link.

Description

Deep within the hallowed walls of Ivy League's most prominent campus, there exists a secret society where power and influence are bred. Only a few are chosen to join the group where Presidents are groomed, wealthy bloodlines bond, and devious plots are hatched. For Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson), an invitation to join the prestigious secret college organization, The Skulls, is a dream come true. But when a fellow pledge gets caught up in murder, Luke finds himself alone amidst the sinister and well-connected brotherhood and now he must summon the strength to stand up against immeasurable odds.

Customer Reviews:

Clare Kramer lifts this one.......2007-05-25

I bought this one only because I saw gravedancers and I thought Clare Kramer was good in that. I did not see the second Skulls movie, but I thought the first one was okay. (not great - just okay). This was a decent movie if you want to kill a couple hours. It is pretty predictable and the resolution is obvious early on, but it is fairly entertaining. Clare (who is in virtually the entire movie) does a good job carrying the film, although for all her character's struggles with conscience and the tragedies that have led her to this point, I thought she was kind of shallow when she got what she wanted. She was also a bit unbelievable as the most competent of the pledges trying to make it into the Skulls. She was the best man in the group. I don't see those guys as the future movers and shakers of America. Barry Bostwick was solid and the rest of the cast did a decent job. I would recommend this movie based on an interesting (if not completely original) concept, sincere acting, and a lack of bad language. I've never been one who thought that foul language just for the sake of foul language added anything to a film. It's nice when you find a film that doesn't abuse it.

[Out of Five] Not bad, Clare Kramer is fine, but..........2006-06-29

This Series is running out of steam. See
it on TV if you can, but see the first 2
in the Series first (Who's?) Barry Bostwick
[he's better in Leslie Nielsen's 'Spy Hard]
is also diabolical in here about Fraternity
boss who has plan to infiltrate his Co. into
US Military with help of CLare's father - until
killed by his son (!) at the end. Good ending!

Don't waste your time..........2006-06-11

If you're a guy, the only real highpoint of this movie is Clare Kramer, although the the character that she plays is rather self-righteous and annoying.

The thing that gets me about this movie is the fact that her character is really indignent that such sexist group like the Skulls is allowed to opperate on campus, but when they relent and allow her to joing, she has no problem with becoming a member of an elitist secret society. That's modern feminism for you, I guess.

Story wise, this movie isn't all that thrilling, and to say that it isn't predictable would would be rather deceptive. There's just nothing about this movie--aside from Claire Kramer--really worth talking about, and there is no way that I'd ever recommend it.

NUMB SKULLS.......2005-11-06

Clare Kramer's passionate and controlled performance elevates this SKULLS entry, possibly the most effective of the trilogy. She plays the daughter of a former Skulls member who challenges their "no female" rule and manages to get herself inducted into the secret covert society. As in the other two SKULLS, a murder occurs with the requisite coverup and it's up to Kramer to expose the organization. The movie has some tense moments and avoids some tired cliches of the other two. Bryce Johnson is the sleazy Roger, and his involvement in the scam is surprisingly resolved. Vets Barry Bostwick and Len Cariou round out the cast and while everything's fairly predictable, a few twists at the end are refreshing.

Oh, Don't Bother ... Just Another One with a Female Lead.......2004-12-12

Claire Kramer (TV's 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and one of the cheerleaders in 'Bring it On') takes the lead of this new sequel to 'The Skulls.' The story about the secret society is not much different this time though, except one thing; instead of a male, a female student delves into the underground world ruled by Barry Bostwick (TV's 'Spin City').

In fact, little difference can be found, compared with the first Skull film featuring Joshua Jackson, so it's more like a retread of the original rather than a sequel. You get a curious, and very ambitious female student in college, who because of her personal reasons is willing to be a member of the secret society. She takes no for answer, as you see, and uses her knowledge about laws to have the authority bend the rules.

And ... if you think there's more to it, you're utterly mistaken. The rest of the film goes on the beaten road, with the 'trails,' 'branding' etc., and finally you see a bloody crime committed. Though Claire Kramer is surprisingly good, the film remains so predictable and unexciting.

The first film had a curiosity value, when you see the thinly-disguised references to Yale, and the real-life Skull and Bones society, even though the film seems to have taken much liberty with the facts (whatever they may be). Now it's just another tired thriller with cliched items. If you have seen the first one, just skip this.

Average customer rating:

best of three parts
Great trash
[Three-and-a-half out of five] Updated attempt to copy Brotherhood of the Bell!
Ineffective copy of Brotherhood of The Bell.
A plot that had so much to explore!

The Skulls [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Skulls 2
The Skulls 3
Joy Ride
Gossip
Cruel Intentions

ASIN: B00005AR8F

Amazon.com

Think of the Skulls as a collegiate Freemason's society--an ultrasecret organization that opens the doors of power to a few lucky Ivy League students, including school rowing star Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson), a poor kid with a misspent youth. "If it's secret and it's elite, it can't be good," cautions his journalist roommate, but the lure of lavish gifts and cabal-like ceremonies in torch-lit stone chambers is too much to resist--until his roomie is murdered and his own Skull "soulmate" Caleb Mandrake (Paul Walker) is the number one suspect.

There's a campy kick to the initiation ceremonies, ancient rituals in dungeonlike alcoves filled with haze and shadow, performed by enthralled frat boys, but as Jackson flounders at the center of a Skull conspiracy it spins into ludicrous melodrama. See the college president become a thug for the Skull godfather! See street punks become high-tech criminal masterminds! See the conspiracy collapse under its own absurdity!

Jackson is pretty much a dud as the well-meaning hero, but Walker, with flashing eyes under furrowed brow, is mesmerizing as a haunted rich kid torn between a ruthless, overbearing father (Craig T. Nelson) and his conscience. Director Rob Cohen drives the film at a galloping pace and fills it with foreboding images, but his humorless solemnity finally buries The Skulls in a heap of clichés. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

best of three parts.......2007-01-27

Think for some people this movie already become a kind of "classic" story.

Deep within the tarnished walls of the popular Ivy League campus lies a secret network. A society where power remains prominent. Only a select few are given the honour to join the prestigious society called, The Skulls.

When Luke (The lovely Joshua Jackson.) is offered the chance to join he jumps at the chance but little does he know how dangerous his life may become. This is not made known to him until his best friend is murdered. He is now searching for the truth. Nothing can get in his way any more.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed classic. Highlights include the luscious Paul Walker and a tense shoot out at the end with very surprising consequences.

Film deserves at least one-time watch.

Great trash.......2006-12-16

This film is great, trashy fun. Of course, it's impossible to take it seriously. Inspired supposedly by Yale's Skulls and Bones, the movie has such incredible, unbelievable situations, that to enjoy it one has to see it as an unintentional comedy. My best scene in that sense would be when Joshua Jackson is interned by the baddies in a madhouse. It's such a ridiculous scene that you can't help laughing at it. The second-best situation would be the duel, and the father, telling his son after being shot the immortal line "You're not worth the trouble". Take it easy and laugh out loud.

[Three-and-a-half out of five] Updated attempt to copy Brotherhood of the Bell!.......2006-06-29

Modern day attempt at old time expose
of Secret Societies / Fraternity and
not bad at all. Except for excessive
profanity in orginal print that will
keep some otherwise favorabley impressed
away. TV version has a bit cleaned up.
Supposed to be about Bush/Clinton/Gore/
Robertson cult known at Yale University
as Skull and Bones. Good bit of research
done by Hollywood Director, but nowhere
near as effective as Oliver Stone's JFK
or Michael Moore's best (Fahrenheit 9/11
or Roger and Me). Good effort nonetheless!
For a new generation, who better take this
as a warning. See also: Alexandra Robinson's
books!

Ineffective copy of Brotherhood of The Bell........2006-06-12

I've always loved the movie The Brotherhood of the Bell, so I assumed I would like The Skulls, which is basically a remake, only this time set in college instead of the real world.

It's about a secret society in an Ivy league university, where members are expected to put loyalty and service to each other above the law or any outside loyalties, secretly helping each other to advance in society with special favors. In the old version Glenn Ford was an adult who was called upon to repay his debt to the society, at a higher cost than he ever anticipated, and it's intensely suspenseful, as he keeps trying to find a way out but learns everyone he appeals to for help is either loyal to the secret society or threatened and controlled by them. It's a kind of paranoia suspense thriller, almost like Three Days of the Condor.

Unfortunately in this version about college kids, you just get the feeling that the protagonist can simply walk away from the whole thing - they practically tell him that he can, at one point. And the secret society, with corny props all over, seem more like a children's club, like something Opie would join on The Andy Griffith Show, rather than the realistic and subtly ominous organization of The Bell, reminiscent of old conspiracy theories about the Masons and such. Plus, Craig Nelson is just too much a light weight for the villain compared to Dean Jagger. Brotherhood of the Bell had a better cast all around, with great character actors like Will Geer and William Conrad.

So it's just because it was disappointing by comparison to that older movie that I can only give The Skulls 2 stars.

A plot that had so much to explore! .......2006-03-10

Uneven and confused thriller about the lives and risks of a Secret Society and a very young student who is recruited to join them. Some twists and turns here and there but with evident narrative holes that demerit the final balance. Craig T. Nelson and William Petersen do their best they can with this predictable script.

Nevertheless, there are some intriguing moments that may justify its rent for a rainy weekend.