Plot: What’s it about?
As an American plane flies over war ravaged Chechnya, it is shot down and crash lands, sparking a lethal turn of events. It was well known that plane carried a top secret military device, but the Russians were unaware of the specifics. After the plane had crashed, a team was dispatched to see what was within the plane’s hold. The scientists discover a massive container of some kind, the contents of which remain a mystery, unlisted on the exterior. But when the container is opened, perhaps the most dangerous and effective killing machine in the world is unleashed upon all those around the site. The plane was transporting a bioengineered python, which was created and enhanced to use for military purposes. This fifty-seven foot reptile has unbelievable speed and lightning quick reflexes, as well as a built-in drive to slaughter anything that happens to be within striking distance. The beast goes on a rampage that leaves most of those at the Russian base slain, but some forces remain alive. If this creature is to be stopped, it will take a joint effort from the Americans and Russians, which is not guaranteed. And even with that effort, will it be enough to overcome the incredible power of the python?
I suppose I’m just a glutton for punishment sometimes, as I have to see every “when animals attack” movie I run across. After the original Python proved to be a campish romp with some hilarious moments, I figured the sequel might offer the same kind of experience. In the end however, this proves to be a nontraditional sequel, where the same kind of storyline is used, but with minimal other connections between the pictures. The original Python was direct to video, but this one moved to a television debut and it seems to have been produced with television in mind, as it has no token naked chicks or even much violence. As the case states, Python II does indeed contain some “creature violence” and that means snake attacks, but even those scenes don’t have much gore or graphic violence involved. A movie like Python II should have tons of blood, a campish sense of humor, and of course, beautiful women in the nude. But instead, we’re taken away from those elements and the result is a slow, often dull picture. I didn’t go into this one with high expectations, but I did expect to be entertained and to see some wild snake attacks. If you liked Anaconda, but found the snake effects to be too realistic, then you’ll be dazzled by the low end visual effects here, which make Anaconda look like The Matrix. This one is tough to recommend, especially at Fox’s high price, so give it a rental if you’re a fan of creature features.
I usually discuss a cast or crew member in this space, one whose work on the picture stands out above the others. But in this case, no one stands out in the least and in fact, most of these folks are unknowns in mainstream cinema. As I have to fill the space however, I elected to talk about the token hottie of Python II, Simmone Mackinnon. If this was a normal feature film and not a television production, I promise you that Mackinnon would have been naked a half dozen times, but as it stands, she is clothed throughout. That’s a real shame too, as her nakedness might have pepped up Python II’s doldrums and made it more tolerable. At least a single topless scene should have been added in for this release, since the flick is rated R, after all. If her skills continue at this level however, we’ll see her naked in many B movies down the road. You can also see Mackinnon in Attila, Dust Off the Wings, Deep Shock, and of course, Tv’s Baywatch. The cast also includes Dana Ashbrook (Waxwork, Tv’s Twin Peaks), Alex Jolig (Hyper Sonic, Interceptor Force 2), and William Zabka (The Karate Kid, European Vacation).
Video: How does it look?
Python II is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The movie looks solid here, but it is still a low budget production and that shows at times. So no, the image isn’t as sharp and refined as I’d like, but that’s inherent to the material. On the direct to video scale, it looks good and that’s the main issue with this one. The print is nearly pristine and with good reason, since it makes an immediate jump to the home video realm. I found colors to be bright and black levels are well balanced, but the image is a little too soft for my tastes. I suppose you can chalk that up to the stock used though, so we can’t put much blame on Fox’s transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 option often reveals the film’s production limitations, but even so, this is a better soundtrack than expected. The weak spot is the dialogue, which sounds canned and poorly looped at times, but outside of that, it seems as though some solid work was put into this one to enhance the experience. The surrounds are used often and to effective ends, especially when a cheap scare pops up, which happens a lot here. I was quite surprised by how active and immersive this track is sometimes, though as I mentioned, some of the production limitations are magnified in this presentation. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish, should you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some talent files, a selection of still photos, and the film’s trailer.
