Genre: B Horror
Sub-category: Secret Society, Campus Thriller
Setting: Campus
Predictability: Predictable
Scare Factor: I got a few chills down my spine
Gore Factor: Non-existent
Look-at-these: Lots of half-naked men

Synopsis: Luc, a young warlock, recruits three young men to be in his brotherhood. He promises them great things, but will they discover what he is really after before it is too late? The three young men are drawn into a world of mayhem and murder and there seems to be no way out. Out of fear or greed Luc's victims(?) do his bidding. But will Luc unleash satan onto the world as he has planned, or does brotherhood have its limits?

Title: Luc and his brothers will seemingly do anything for each other, that is the very definition of brotherhood. But power can corrupt and even soil something as pure as brotherhood. Everything has its limits.

Analysis: On it's face The Brotherhood II is not very similar to the original episode (The Brotherhood) besides the gratuitous use of half-naked men (yes, half-naked). They do, however, both attempt to modernize a classic horror tale. The original brings vampirism into the twentieth century, while this sequel brings witchcraft into the modern age. The current episode also reveals some insights into cult mentality and school violence.

Luc's victims aren't popular. They don't seek to join the 'in' crowd, they seek revenge against it. The Brotherhood II is very Columbine-esque in this respect. Upon gaining power, the three seek revenge against the jocks and the oppressive administrators. In an age when school violence is escalating, this film offers some insight into the reasons for this violence. As expected, most of the reasons for revenge are hidden anger and rage. The film doesn't offer any solutions to the violence, but does encourage some thought.

The techniques that Luc uses to lure in his new brothers are very similar to those of many cults. He makes grand promises -- money, power and women -- that seem realistic to those who want to believe them. He also attempts to alienate other relationships, particularly those with women. In doing so he drives his victims closer to him. Again, the film provokes thought but doesn't propose any tangible solutions. The boys awaken from their trance when they realize who Luc is and what he wants, wondering how they ever fell for the whole thing in the first place. I don't think that this is unlike many cult members who come to see the organization and its leaders for what they truly are. I think that these issues would have been better served by improving character development and casting better talent. Nonetheless, these very important contemporary concerns are brought to light. In this sense the sequel is very similar to the original The Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood II is definitely watchable despite the less than stellar performances and lackluster cinematography. As usual, Director David DeCoteau pulls in a string of inexperienced actors with the right look. They flounder on stage, but acting talent has never been a requisite for success in B Horror. The Brotherhood II offers something a bit original, so it is worth watching. The dark cinematography and special effects are nothing spectacular, but they do the job. The story is clearly what carries the film.

Final Comments: I haven't explored the use of half-naked men in this review as I have in my review of the original episode. I should emphasize the fact that if you are not comfortable with seeing men in their undies then you should not watch this movie. Like the original, there are no particular strengths or weaknesses. The movie does offer some spooky moments and brings up some serious issues. I would have no problem recommending this movie with the above mentioned caveat.

DeCoteau's Homoerotic Thrillers: The Brotherhood I, II, III, Leeches!, The Frightening, Voodoo Academy

DeCoteau's Non-Homoerotic Thrillers: Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, Witchouse, Ancient Evil: Scream of the Mummy


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older