Critics Consensus

Critics Consensus: The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death Looks Great But Lacks Scares

Plus, A Most Violent Year is an intelligent, immersive drama.

by | January 1, 2015 | Comments

Happy New Year! This week at the movies, we’ve got just one wide release: The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death, a period frightfest starring Phoebe Fox and Jeremy Irvine). What do the critics have to say?

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death

24%

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death has two strikes against it right off the bat: it’s a sequel, and it’s being released during the first weekend of the new year, which is traditionally a dumping ground for middling movies. Critics say this one is better than most, but although the film is atmospheric and visually sharp, it’s never particularly scary. It’s 1941, and a group of children have been relocated to an English country house to escape the London Blitz. But when several of the children go missing, their caretakers suspect a malevolent spirit may be responsible. The pundits say The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death looks terrific, but it’s vaguely unsettling rather than tense.

What’s Hot on TV:

The pundits say The Missing (Certified Fresh at 96 percent) turns a routine premise into a standout thriller, thanks to heartfelt, affecting performances.

Also opening this week in limited release: