Touches You

Best movie of this year hands down!

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The 1960 'Psycho' is one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest films and while it is high up in my list of "scariest films of all time" it doesn't stop it from being a personal favourite. Mainly for the cinematography, Hitchcock's direction, the music score and Anthony Perkins.Hearing that 'Psycho' had three sequels, my immediate reaction was what's the point especially considering the fiasco that was the 1998 remake. It did strike me initially that 'Psycho' was perfect as it was and didn't need a sequel, let alone three as well as a telefilm spin-off and remake. The first sequel, finally getting round to watching the sequels after a little arm twisting, turned out to be surprisingly good. Not just being a worthy follow-up but also a well above average film in its own way. Is it as good as Hitchcock's film? Not a chance, not as scary or as suspenseful. But considering that expectations were dubious 'Psycho II' was so much better than expected.'Psycho II' starts to drag ever so slightly towards the end and occasionally feels a touch over-plotted. Sadly too the ending is ridiculous and undermines the actually very neat execution of the rest of the film.On the other hand, 'Psycho II' boasts some very stylish and moody cinematography and the setting is still eerie even in colour. Jerry Goldsmith proves himself to be a more than worthy successor to Bernard Hermann, enormous shoes to fill considering Hermann's score in the 1960 film is one of the most iconic chilling music scores in cinema. Goldsmith's score here is lush and ominously haunting without ever intruding.Franklin directs beautifully, having a real knack for creating a creepy atmosphere and suspenseful touch, not quite the unequalled Hitchcockian touch but it is the closest the sequels ever get to having anything resembling it. The script is clever and taut with some touches of darkly wicked humour, while the story is on the most part very neatly paced, highly atmospheric and always coherent with some very imaginative twists.As for the performances, they are also strong. Anthony Perkins returns in his most iconic role and proves that only one person can play this character. Meg Tilly and Vera Miles are very credible too while Dennis Franz and Robert Loggia provide some necessary grit.In summary, surprisingly good and worthy first sequel to a classic. Doesn't disgrace it at all. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I generally don't like horror films, and I especially dislike slasher movies. However, this one has some convincing acting by Anthony Perkins. In fact, most of the cast perform very well.But the story wasn't so good, it took some weird and inconsistent turns and too many people died. It should have been re-written more carefully. As others have suggested, it went from being an interesting psychological thriller in the first 30 minutes or so to becoming a typical slasher film during the remainder of the movie. The cinematography was better than the story, with some very nice shots of the Bates house.

...because it's not a fair comparison. Hitchcock is long gone.If, however, you judge Psycho II on strictly its own merits, it's pretty good. Or as good as I think a sequel to Psycho could ever be.Anthony Perkins is a large reason for this. He still has it. Many closed doors and strange passageways etched onto his face. Perkins delivers.Jerry Goldsmith - the composer....comes up with something COMPLETELY different than Hermann did. And once again, on its own and without judging it or comparing it to the original, it's quite beautiful and sad.Now I can't say much for the sequels that continued past this one, but Psycho II is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Most of the time sequels are just bad ideas. Writing a sequel to Hitchcock's masterpiece Psycho must not have been an easy thing to do. But it did work out great. The sequel has the same plots and twists, with the necessary suspense and great sound effects. Anthony Perkins is still the perfect actor to impersonate the psychotic Norman Bates. You would kind of feel sorry for him in this movie. But then again you can see there is a thin line between normal life and insanity. He plays that part beautifully. Okay nothing will ever equal the original Psycho because that was for that time an absolute hit but nevertheless Psycho II is certainly worth a watch.