Scanners II: The New Order – A Chaotic Glimpse

Alright, so, Scanners II: The New Order… you know that feeling when you find an old cassette at the back of the drawer and you’re not sure if it’s a jem or just some noise? That’s kinda how it felt watching this film.

Michael Ironside isn’t back in this one, can you believe it? Instead, we get David Hewlett stepping into the chaos, pulling all these telepathic faces! The mad baddie this time is John Bayley, and let me tell you, he gives a solid sinister vibe that’s a bit like finding out your quiet neighbor raises crocodiles. The director, Christian Duguay, he’s not David Cronenberg, but he tries, oh boy, he tries.

I remember back in, what was it, ’93? A buddy dragged me to this underground screening in Stockholm. You know, those basement cinemas where they show stuff you’d never find at Filmstaden? It was dark, smelled kinda of popcorn and that unmistakable scent of second-hand sofas. Anyway, halfway through the screening, the sound system just gave up. The rest of it played out like a silent film, with the audience filling in the dialogue with wild guesses. Oddly, it made the film better, I think.

Now, Scanners II taps into themes of power and corruption, feeling strangely relevant now too, with the political mess and all. But the special effects… They’re like a Eurovision entry from the ‘80s – flashy yet a bit embarrassing today. There’s something endearingly awkward about them though, like trying to fit into last year’s Midsummer dress.

So, would I recommend watching it? Ehh, maybe for the curious or those who’ve got a thing for cheesy psychic battles. You’re probably gonna have a laugh or two, whether it’s intentional or not. Grab some fika, gather the gang, and prepare for a night of telekinetic tomfoolery. But just don’t expect it to change your life or anything.

Check the trailer below