Where I Watched It: Netflix

English Audio Description provided By Roundabout Entertainment

Narrated By Elias.

I somewhat remember the original Birdbox. it was back in the earlier days of Netflix producing movies when it seemed like they put more effort, especially when they landed a talent like Sandra Bullock. Now, it seems like just pushing out content is more important, with some exceptions made for the films that could get them in the Oscar race.

It’s also important to remember all those sequels over the years where a great movie was made, and it was followed by a bafflingly awful sequel. The Mask became Son Of The Mask. The Crow pushed on into The Crow: City of Angels, before producing more straight to video fare. Baby Geniuses shed its original cast and became Superbabies. Van Wilder graduated, so the sequel centered around Taj. Now, Netflix is trying to extend the life of the Birdbox franchise in a really cheap way that feels like a departure from the structure of the original.

And the worst part about it is, the most interesting thing about this film is a huge spoiler. If you read the plot description given by either Netflix or IMDB, then it suggests the movie is about something. That’s a partial truth, and as you come to realize what’s really going on through the first twenty minutes, you will determine a bit more about whether or not this is something to enjoy.

The film has a completely different approach, and a very different focus. It seems to operate on a different set of rules, almost as if the writer of the sequel didn’t even bother to watch the original.It’s not a film anyone needed nor likely will anyone want. The oddest thing is that the lead is completely unknown to me, but Diego Calva (Babylon) appears in the film. Why wasn’t he considered for the lead? Did people not see the upcoming Damien Chazelle movie on his resume, and figure maybe he’d be a break out star?

As far as the audio description goes, sure. It focuses a lot on what people are seeing, or if they have their eyes open. There are also dogs in the film taht are somewhat important, and knowing what happens to them helps. Still, the horrifying presence is kept at bay, meaning most of the narration is about what is happening when they are around, with fluttering leaves and stuff. What they wear isn’t really important, but it is important to know when their eyes are covered. And since there’s a high body count, you also find out how all the people die along the way.

I wish I could talk a bit more, but I don’t want to spoil the twist. Some people will hate it, I’ve seen that more than anything else. For me, this just felt like a really cheap follow up to simply extend the life of a franchise. It’s essentially a straight to video sequel. But, we don’t really do that anymore.

Also, while I appreciate that there is English Audio Description, it is not originally in English, and the dubbed actors are… not great. Not terrible, I’ve heard a lot worse, but not great. it all blends in the audio description.

The twist is interesting, but I’m not sure it really sustains the film.

Final Grade: C+