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ONE of the Outback's most terrifying residents has returned.
Mick Taylor, the pig-shooting, tourist-hating Australian bushman is the star of Greg McLean’s latest film Wolf Creek 2.
Played by John Jarratt, Taylor returns and is as menacing, frightening and violent as ever.
Wolf Creek 2 starts off with a great re-introduction to the way Mick Taylor lives when he is confronted by two police officers.
But the real story starts as we follow the hitchiking adventure of two German tourists and an Englishman caught on the wrong part of the higway at the wrong time.
With a disclaimer saying the film is based on a true story, crime fans will notice the aspects of real-life mysteries.
What is immediately evident in Wolf Creek 2 is how much Greg McLean has matured as a filmmaker.
The Bendigo-born McLean produced Wolf Creek with a budget of just over $1 million. It was an immediate cult classic with it’s in-your-face blood and gore as well as introducing the terrifying killer Mick Taylor.
Wolf Creek 2 cuts down on the in-your-face violence and opts for a lot of the Tarantino-esque violence that often occurs just out of shot.
It is just as effective with effects, sound and clever shots implying exactly what body part has been attacked.
Also clear is how McLean has worked hard on developing his talents at building suspense with a number of shots in the film showing both the victim’s point of view and where the next thrill will come from.
McLean has also been inspired by the Steven Speilberg film Duel (1971) and has created a very entertaining chase to add a newer element to the Wolf Creek franchise, rather than having victims stumble around a creepy setting, avoiding Taylor.
John Jarratt slips easily back into the role of Mick Taylor. Jarratt is no longer considered the guy from Better Homes and Gardens – he is Mick Taylor.
Taylor is given a little more life in Wolf Creek 2 but no more explanation as to why he is why he is.
The scenes between Mick and his prisoner Paul (played by Ryan Corr) are entertaining and disturbing all at the same time. Between creepy singalongs and high-risk trivia, it adds a slight element of horrific fun to the film.
Blood and guts fans of Wolf Creek and film goers who can’t stand blood might not enjoy the sequel but it is an excellent character development that is also a thrilling adventure.
Wolf Creek 2 (MA15+) is now showing at Bendigo Cinemas. See page 3 of the Bendigo Advertiser for session times.
Follow film reviewer Chris Pedler on Twitter @FilmNerdChris