After the enjoyable action horror production "Outpost" that Steve Barker graced audiences with worldwide a sequel seemed unimaginable and unidealistic. However Outpost Black sun improves on the faults of the previous installment and furthermore maintains the positive aspects that its predecessor is well known for in an surprisingly impressive sequel.
Set directly after the events of the first installment of this progressing saga General Klausener leads his undead army across Europe in an attempt to maintain the unthinkable 1000 year Reich, while the rest of the population look to suffer the same fate that awaited the mercenaries in the previous film. With Klausener's army on the move a physicist and a Nazi war crime hunter pursue both Klausener and his infamous machine with their own vendettas in mind. What is most enjoyable about the narrative is its ability to link in perfectly with its predecessor. As few questions are left answered and previous significances such as the cursed bunker and previous characters are both mentioned and revisited, the viewer is constantly able to revert back to specific events in the previous film which many film sequels in the modern day generally fail to achieve. What is also appreciated in Black Suns narrative is the progression from the plot in "Outpost" in terms of a previously small scale event in to a now large scale invasion threat. Its a trait very similar to what the 28 days/weeks later film franchise achieved as Outpost Black Sun indulges in a similar success factor.
Despite the large jump in terms of its narrative Black Sun includes the previously appreciated horror aspects and furthermore develops them into something equally as impressive for the most part. Not only is there just as much gore despite the films lowered certified rating from 18 to 15 years (most likely in an attempt to make it more accessible), but just as many or possibly even more typical climatic horror moments. Although at times it is undoubtedly clear that one of these undead maniacs will pop out from somewhere, the majority of the time it is ultimately unsuspecting and is worsened by their wretched appearance.
With once again a fairly unfamiliar cast the performances like the sequel itself are remarkably exceptional. Steve Barker however does include some famous faces, such as Clive Russell who only makes a brief appearance as Marius and is fairly insignificant in the plot, never the less Russell is a familiar face to many which is something this film lacks (whether that be a positive or negative aspect). Catherine Steadman most likely to be best known for her recent contribution to "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" takes the lead role as Nazi war crime hunter Lena. From a male dominated cast in the previous film Steadman's performance receives few complaints with her die hard attitude in eliminating Klausener. Also taking a lead role is Richard Coyle as Wallace whose typical portrayal of the modern day physicist with his knowledge far more valuable than his lacking military capability is certainly genuine. The pair engage throughout the film in a conflict and work based friendship as the chemistry on screen is satisfactory. Other significant roles include Daniel Caltagirone as squad commander Macavoy who plays a similar role to DC in the previous installment due to his leadership and military based skills. As only one of two returning cast members Julian Wadhams returns to the set (more or less) with his attributes that were seen previously now absent in a whole new warped Francis Hunt.
Steve Barkers character creation deserves credit, as he also attempts to develop the characters more than he had done in Black Suns predecessor, something that stood as one of the films few faults. The more extensive development is seen within Lena and Wallace for the most part which is essential considering they are the protagonists, however other characters who are still fairly significance in the narrative don't receive the same treatment. This is something that Barker should be keen to improve on in his recently announced 3rd installment to this continuously improving Nazi zombie saga.
Outpost Black Sun simply improves on the previously lacking elements of its predecessor while still including the films unique and desirable features. Along with the applaudable performances of the relatively less familiar cast and engaging narrative, all these elements contribute to Outpost Black Sun being a justified and enjoyable sequel.
Set directly after the events of the first installment of this progressing saga General Klausener leads his undead army across Europe in an attempt to maintain the unthinkable 1000 year Reich, while the rest of the population look to suffer the same fate that awaited the mercenaries in the previous film. With Klausener's army on the move a physicist and a Nazi war crime hunter pursue both Klausener and his infamous machine with their own vendettas in mind. What is most enjoyable about the narrative is its ability to link in perfectly with its predecessor. As few questions are left answered and previous significances such as the cursed bunker and previous characters are both mentioned and revisited, the viewer is constantly able to revert back to specific events in the previous film which many film sequels in the modern day generally fail to achieve. What is also appreciated in Black Suns narrative is the progression from the plot in "Outpost" in terms of a previously small scale event in to a now large scale invasion threat. Its a trait very similar to what the 28 days/weeks later film franchise achieved as Outpost Black Sun indulges in a similar success factor.
Despite the large jump in terms of its narrative Black Sun includes the previously appreciated horror aspects and furthermore develops them into something equally as impressive for the most part. Not only is there just as much gore despite the films lowered certified rating from 18 to 15 years (most likely in an attempt to make it more accessible), but just as many or possibly even more typical climatic horror moments. Although at times it is undoubtedly clear that one of these undead maniacs will pop out from somewhere, the majority of the time it is ultimately unsuspecting and is worsened by their wretched appearance.
With once again a fairly unfamiliar cast the performances like the sequel itself are remarkably exceptional. Steve Barker however does include some famous faces, such as Clive Russell who only makes a brief appearance as Marius and is fairly insignificant in the plot, never the less Russell is a familiar face to many which is something this film lacks (whether that be a positive or negative aspect). Catherine Steadman most likely to be best known for her recent contribution to "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" takes the lead role as Nazi war crime hunter Lena. From a male dominated cast in the previous film Steadman's performance receives few complaints with her die hard attitude in eliminating Klausener. Also taking a lead role is Richard Coyle as Wallace whose typical portrayal of the modern day physicist with his knowledge far more valuable than his lacking military capability is certainly genuine. The pair engage throughout the film in a conflict and work based friendship as the chemistry on screen is satisfactory. Other significant roles include Daniel Caltagirone as squad commander Macavoy who plays a similar role to DC in the previous installment due to his leadership and military based skills. As only one of two returning cast members Julian Wadhams returns to the set (more or less) with his attributes that were seen previously now absent in a whole new warped Francis Hunt.
Steve Barkers character creation deserves credit, as he also attempts to develop the characters more than he had done in Black Suns predecessor, something that stood as one of the films few faults. The more extensive development is seen within Lena and Wallace for the most part which is essential considering they are the protagonists, however other characters who are still fairly significance in the narrative don't receive the same treatment. This is something that Barker should be keen to improve on in his recently announced 3rd installment to this continuously improving Nazi zombie saga.
Outpost Black Sun simply improves on the previously lacking elements of its predecessor while still including the films unique and desirable features. Along with the applaudable performances of the relatively less familiar cast and engaging narrative, all these elements contribute to Outpost Black Sun being a justified and enjoyable sequel.