Quarantine 2: Terminal

A superior direct-to-video sequel, Quarantine 2: Terminal picks up shortly after the events of its predecessor and details the chaos that ensues as the deadly virus makes its way onto a commercial airliner – with the film subsequently following the passengers and flight crew as they attempt to survive within a closed-off airport terminal. It’s worth noting that Quarantine 2: Terminal gets off to a less-than-impressive start, as writer/director John Pogue blankets the proceedings with one-dimensional, stock characters that are, at the outset, simply unable to engender the viewer’s interest of sympathy. The mystery surrounding which of these figures is carrying the virus generally (and effectively) compensates for the underwhelming vibe, however, and there’s little doubt that the initial attack sequences are very well done and surprisingly suspenseful. Once the narrative shifts to that aforementioned terminal, however, Quarantine 2: Terminal hits a demonstrable lull that’s admittedly alleviated by the sporadic emphasis on tense sequences and interludes (including a fantastic, Alien-inspired scene involving a survivor and a dark hallway). The ongoing bickering and squabbling among the remaining uninfected characters is undoubtedly rather tedious, yet there eventually reaches a point at which such concerns are rendered moot by Pogue’s propulsive sensibilities – with the striking finale certainly ensuring that the whole thing ends on an unexpectedly positive note. (Pogue also deserves credit for including a seriously cringeworthy moment involving a needle and an eye. Yikes!)

**1/2 out of ****