Sequels are a mixed bag.  I'm known for liking most movie sequels, even when most other people don't, but I often have to ignore a lot of flaws in order to do so, because a lot of sequels, even when planned, often feel like they've been thrown together simply to cash in on the name recognition of the original movie.  Rare is the sequel that manages to expand upon and continue the story from the original movie.  “The Ritual” is the highly anticipated sequel to the
underground serial killer film “Head Case,” and like all good sequels should do, it uses the first movie as a starting point and then branches out, introducing new characters and situations that manage to be as intriguing as the original film, if not more so.

“The Ritual” picks up naturally from where “Head Case” left off.  It begins with a conversation; some familiar banter between friends that all sounds completely normal until you realize that they're talking about killing people.  One of the things that was the most jolting about the original movie was how the killers seemed so calm; so down-to-earth and normal in their conversations and their everyday lives.  The husband and wife serial killer team of Wayne and Andrea Montgomery seemed like every other middle aged married couple, except for the minor fact that they enjoyed killing and mutilating people in their spare time, and Wayne and Andrea's conversations about everyday household things were one of the most enjoyable parts of the original movie.  “The Ritual” is no different.  As the movie progresses, one of the highlights is the conversational banter between Wayne (who is now on the run after his wife was arrested and charged with all their crimes) and John, Andrea's son from a previous marriage, who is also a serial killer.

Along with John, we are introduced to Jared, a young man that Wayne begins to train in the ways of a serial killer.  Wayne, knowing that eventually the police will catch up with him hopes to make Jared his protégé.  At first, Jared is excited by the process of killing people, but eventually, he becomes unsure of himself and whether he wants to follow in Wayne's footsteps.

That's it, I quit, I'm never talking to anyone ever again). I was excited to see Brinke Stevens showing up in this movie as Julie, Wayne's mother.  Her character is fun to watch as she whittles away at the already fragile bond between Wayne and Jared.  Stevens is one of my favorite horror actresses (she's the only thing that makes “Cheerleader Massacre” worth watching) and she brings her magic to this movie as well.  We don't see much of Barbara Lessin  (Andrea, Wayne's wife) in this movie, as she was caught by the police at the end of the original, but the few scenes she's in showcase the actress's talent as she thwarts the detectives who are attempting to uncover Wayne's whereabouts.  It's impressive how long Andrea holds out, refusing to give the detectives any information to help them find Wayne, even after he abandoned her at the end of the original.  This movie does stand alone, but if you've watched the original, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the characters and for the predicament they're in.

One of the things I appreciate most about “The Ritual” is how it expands upon the story we saw in “Head Case.”  Not only do we learn what was going on behind the scenes of that movie and gain new insight on some of the events we saw, but we learn that Wayne and Andrea don't exist in a vacuum, there are more serial killers in their world (hell, we even hear about a serial killer support group) which not only makes us more afraid to ever leave the house again, it gives their stories
more depth.  Unlike the original, the scenes in this movie don't just read like home movies, the scenes with Jared's narration are more artful (which fits his angsty, poetic personality) and the later scenes where Jared and Wayne are unraveling and fighting more and more manage to be both creepy and poignant.  Even up to a few minutes before the movie ended, I was still unsure about what was going to happen.  I've seen a lot, and very few movies can surprise me anymore,
but this one did.

The kill scenes are gruesome, the characters have more depth, and I get the feeling that “The Ritual” is what “Hostel 2” was trying to be, giving its killers deeper motivation and a richer backstory.  If you don't mind the idea of never trusting your neighbors (or their teenage kids) ever again, then this movie is one you should check out.