The team at MGI Films is back with a follow-up to 2017’s horror-comedy Anna. I thoroughly enjoyed that film, despite marking it down as more comedy than horror, and I was delighted to see that a sequel was in the works in the fourth quarter of 2018. Well, Anna 2: Freaky Links has officially inked a deal with ITN Distribution for a home media release later this year. While an exact date hasn’t been announced yet, I was privy to a screener copy and I’m here to say that Anna 2: Freaky Links is actually much better than its predecessor. No sophomore slump here. If you enjoyed the first flick as much as I did, then you’re going to want to check this baby out. Based on the screenplay by Gerald Crum, Anna 2: Freaky Links finds the main characters from the first film, Jacob and Shawn, as they join forces with another ghost hunting team when investigating a haunted amusement park. What begins as a routine visit becomes a night of terror they may not survive when the amusement park turns out to be a portal to Hell. Hey, at least the boys didn’t inadvertently create it this time! Directed by Michael Crum, the film stars Justin Duncan, Gerald Crum, Mercedes Peterson, John Charles Dickson, Daniel Frank, Vandi Clark, Mark Edward Howell and Kenzie Pallone.
First, I want to mention that Anna 2: Freaky Links diverts from the comedy-horror atmosphere established in Anna (2017) and is a solid attempt at genuine horror. Sure, there’s a few funny blips in the movie, but overall this is definitely classified in the horror genre and is a whole lot scarier than the first flick. Whoever made the decision to flip the script between shoots is a genius. Now, just because it’s more inside our favorite genre doesn’t mean it’s a film with a high body count. Anna 2: Freaky Links saves most of the bloodshed and terror for the end of the movie, but I don’t think it was ever envisioned to be a gorefest or massacre. I think the idea was always to shock the audience with suspense and stunning visuals, which this movie definitely has. The saran wrap scenes are absolutely disturbing and the cinematography from Michael Crum during the night scenes are breathtaking. I love what he does with smoke and light. What I’m trying to say here is, Anna 2: Freaky Links is more of a… paranormal onslaught. People who can appreciate an indie ghost story with a lot of heart will get a kick out of this one. Also, was that the same lake used in another MGI Film, Lake Fear 3? Is there a connection? And where is the devil doll from Anna (2017)? I have questions!
Second, I want to mention that the production value in Anna 2: Freaky Links is higher than the first film. There were a few editing choices I didn’t agree with style-wise, but hey, it’s not my film and editor Michael Crum still did a great job with this one. MGI Films is known – or should be known – for a lot of location changes, expertly produced special effects, and films with above average acting. Really, The Crum Brothers are ready to take their craft to the next level. All they need is a bigger budget, and that really shows with Anna 2: Freaky Links. I feel like they get better with every new title and this one is the icing on the cake. It’s on par with their previous release Lake Fear 3. The way they tell a story, with twists and turns, and how they infuse hope into the characters before dropping the ax and killing them off in bizarre and creepy ways never gets old. And the way they blend ghosts and monsters into the story in such a fluid way is much appreciated. Besides the points that I’ve listed above, Anna 2: Freaky Links‘ biggest strength is probably its ability to work every genre troupe into the story (minus the slasher genre) while making sense and keeping the production value and acting performances on the top level.
I encourage indie horror fans to check this one out when it hits DVD and VOD later this year. MGI Films and The Crum Brothers deserve a lot more recognition. Anna 2: Freaky Links is an unpredictable journey into the macabre and a fun ride for easy going horror fans who can just sit back, relax, and enjoy. Plus, the entire cast is gosh-darn beautiful. I figured I’d save my vapid, least important comment for last. Watch this with your friends. Watch this alone. Just watch it. Final Score: 8 out of 10.
