Indie sequel allows viewer to choose between movie and snuff versions.

written by Kai Lanette and Shane Ryan and directed by Shane Ryan

After the success of last year’s Amateur Porn Star Killer an independent pseudo-snuff flick shot on virtually no budget, project mastermind Shane Ryan decided to make a sequel, knowing full well that he would have to up the ante on disturbing content to keep viewers interested. He’s returned less than a year later with Amateur Porn Star Killer 2, eighty more minutes of the despicable killer, who we know as Brandon (portrayed by Ryan), taking advantage of another victim by way of sex, humiliation, and murder. It’s available in a two-disc set that contains both the movie version and snuff version of the film. Ryan is successful in his quest to raise the stakes set by the original.

Brandon’s latest victim, played by former stripper Kai Lanette, is decidedly different from the one depicted in the first film. She is promiscuous, tougher, and willing to get pretty kinky, although she does draw the line when Brandon takes things too far. While I appreciate the effort taken to change things up, her lack of innocence takes away from the impact. Still, the film is rather disturbing. While there’s not as much violence as some may be expecting and/or hoping for, it’s been amped up a bit from the first. Theres also a lot more graphic sex, bordering on pornographic at times. Both performances come off as natural, something imperative for a film of this kind, though I don’t think Lanette was as convincing as Michiko Jimenez in the original.

The movie version and snuff version contain much of the same footage but are quite different stylistically. My biggest gripe with the original APSK was that much of it came of as a realistic snuff footage, but the illusion was ruined by distinct movie additives. Here, the viewer has the choice as to which version they would like to watch. The movie version expands on the kaleidoscope of video effects with which Ryan has previously experimented. Many of them were annoying but still managed to spice up bland scenes. Some longer scenes are condensed into montages accompanied by music. Interspliced is older footage of the killer’s previous victims. Through a series of title cards we learn more about his past, though not too much is revealed.

The snuff version is presented “the way the killer intended.” The “unaltered” footage is all black and quite with few cuts and long scenes. There are no effects to take away from the narrative, although there are also many points that drag with boring dialogue or none at all. Some of these scenes are atmospheric, however, such as when Brandon is stalking his latest victim early in the picture. The only audio we here as we observe the girl from a distance is the sound of the car’s windshield wipers moving against the glass, which proves to be chilling.

All things considered, I think I prefer the snuff version, but I really love having the choice of both. Kudos to Ryan for catering to the fans and pleasing both sides. Although the haters will still continue to hate, those of us who appreciated the original have even more to enjoy this time around. My only real complaint is that the DVD doesn’t have any special features. It will keep you busy with two movies though. With the impending third film in the series due out for Halloween, I would like to see it Ryan could do the entire film in one take. In the mean time, check out APSK2 if you liked the original, as you will not be disappointed.

Horror 101 gives Amateur Porn Star Killer 2 a 79 out of 101