Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)

(2011)

The argument goes something like this: "Anyone who enjoys these disgusting, sadistic, graphic torture movies must be sick in the head." I respond defensively by citing myself as an example of a down to earth, nonviolent (and handsome) gentleman who enjoys – to an extent – vicious and depraved films such as Hostel, Texas Chainsaw: The Beginning and Martyrs.

This is where it gets tricky. With a whiff of self-righteousness they counter with something along the lines of “Yes, but you're well adjusted and you were raised in a loving environment. What kind of impact could torture movies have on less fortunate, violence-prone sickos? What if, for example, an unstable, mentally challenged man coming from a history of molestation and abuse watched a movie like The Human Centipede repeatedly?”

'What if' indeed. The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence is an answer to that question in the form of a snarling middle finger. Martin is all of the above and he’s grotesque and slovenly to boot. With his bulbous eyes, drooping gut and shocking behavior, he may very well be the most terrifying killer I have ever witnessed in a horror movie and Lord knows I’ve seen my fair share of debauchery. As cruel as Dr. Heiter from THC: The First Sequence was, at least he was a doctor and we could therefore expect a degree of professionalism and cleanliness to his surgeries. Martin is mentally unequipped to take on the task of creating a human centipede. Instead of extracting teeth he bashes them with a hammer. Instead of carefully stitching up the mouth to the anus, Martin uses a much cruder method. This is the tip of the iceberg. He is also far from sanitary which is well illustrated when his dead-inside mother wakes him for an appointment with the family therapist. “Did you shit yourself again? You swine!” Annoyed and groggy, Martin puts his pants on (without acknowledging the mess on his bed and in his underwear) and goes about his business.

Nasty, sure, but that's nothing compared to the river of blood, feces, vomit and other bodily fluids that await. Images that were left to the imagination in the prequel are on full display here. Martin successfully turns an abandoned warehouse into the worst nightmare you ever had.

Lawrence R. Harvey delivers a brilliant performance and I have no doubt that he will be revered as a horror icon for years to come. Martin doesn't need to speak because you can understand everything that's racing through his damaged brain via subtle facial expressions. When being shown around the warehouse that will eventually become his torture chamber, his demeanor changes from social awkwardness into an exhibit of pure joy. The momentary smile reads "this place is perfect - no one will hear the screams!"

You've probably already made up your mind as to whether or not you have any interest in it. If THC2 (Full Sequence) doesn't make you squirm then I'll buy you lunch and then dare you to hold it down.

More please!

Check out 50 P's assessment if you haven't already done so!