Ginger Snaps 2 - Unleashed (2004)

88% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(35,333 ratings)

The feminist horror film genre might not have very many prominent entries, but the critically acclaimed 2000 film Ginger Snaps was just that. A darkly humorous chiller that drew parallels between menstruation and a werewolf curse, the John Fawcett picture garnered several Canadian Genie Award… More The feminist horror film genre might not have very many prominent entries, but the critically acclaimed 2000 film Ginger Snaps was just that. A darkly humorous chiller that drew parallels between menstruation and a werewolf curse, the John Fawcett picture garnered several Canadian Genie Award nominations and a loyal cult following. Four years later, Brett Sullivan, the film's editor, made his feature directorial debut with this sequel, Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed. Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins reprise their roles from the first film as sisters Ginger and Brigitte, respectively. This time around, Brigitte is found by the police after being attacked and taken to rehab when it's assumed that the wolfbane serum that keeps her from turning into a monster is a narcotic. Once inside the facility and denied the substance, Brigitte must strike deals with one of the orderlies to obtain it; meanwhile, she is pursued by another werewolf, and escapes with Ghost, another female patient, to that girl's vacant old house, which sets the stage for a brutal showdown -- made even nastier when the orderly, a hospital doctor, and the elderly Barbara show up and decide to intervene. Also starring Tatiana Maslany, Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed was followed only a few months later by Ginger Snaps Back. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Brett Sullivan
Written By: Megan Martin
Genres: Horror

In Theaters: Apr 13, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Apr 13, 2004
Studio: LionsGate Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Harvey, Variety
Keeps most cliches at bay.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
A worthy sequel to a cut-above horror movie.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
If Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed feels a bit scattered and the humour self-congratulatory, at least the performances never flag.
Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media
Dreadful. Absolutely inappropriate for kids.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
First-time screenwriter Megan Martin avoids the trap of simply rehashing the first film with new characters, instead crafting a very dark fairy tale.
Eric Campos, Film Threat
Things only get way worse for the hairy-palmed teen...
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The sense of ironic humor and creeping dread of the original are mostly gone, and Ginger 2 ends up as a much more conventional horror/thriller
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
It's no DOG SOLDIERS, but it is one of the better Werewolf movies to come out recently. Don't let the ravings of a few fanboys overly-inflate your expectations, and enjoy.
Oz, eFilmCritic.com
Ginger Snaps Unleashed could be picked apart by the fussy viewer, but that would be disingenuous considering what is achieved with so little cash.
Liisa Ladouceur, Rue Morgue Magazine
Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed features the same witty, honest dialogue as the original, with improved music, make-up and werewolf effects.
Mark Palermo, Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
[It's] unlikely to be the flavour-of-the-week critic's pet that the original was, but it's a rare sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every respect.
Angela Baldassarre, Sympatico.ca
An engrossing, well-performed thriller that falters somewhat in suspense and originality.
Catharine Tunnacliffe, eye WEEKLY
A well-paced horror whose slick, exhilarating action sequences are a significant improvement over the original.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the creature effects have been improved here, which are fairly convincing this time around (rather than resembling a burly guy in a furry suit).
Louis B. Hobson, Jam! Movies
Perkins and Maslany are terrific together.
Liz Braun, Jam! Movies
Has lots of well-wrought tension, plenty of (sick) humour and wonderfully staged gory stuff.

Read all 16 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

EightThirty .

16\07\2010 (ONLINE) An incredible sequel and definitely a much better film, story and performance. These characters are stunning and this is what sequels should be like, better than the last! This one is going in my favorites.
Wahida K

Ginger Snaps 2 was weird but enjoyable.
Anthony L

A really cool follow up that is better than the first! It?s like Girl Interrupted but good! The twist at the end is brilliant!
Cassandra M

This is the only sequel I have seen that could be considered an improvement on its original. I'm a great Fan of Ginger Snaps and was really excited about this film when i first heard about it, unfortunately when it arrived at the cinema I was to young to see it. I'm sure… More
This is the only sequel I have seen that could be considered an improvement on its original. I'm a great Fan of Ginger Snaps and was really excited about this film when i first heard about it, unfortunately when it arrived at the cinema I was to young to see it. I'm sure its always a gamble for people and film fans alike to buy movies on Tapoe/DVD with out viewing them first and for me this was a first. It was well worth the risk of my cash as I loved the film, the casting was especially good this time around ( the DVD showing the auditions in all their glory ) As far as the films go Emily Perkins takes her original part and runs with it, totally convincing the audience that she is trying to break away from her sister and the ghosts of the past. The special effects and make up are of course grander this time around which enhances the horror side of things, but I my self view this more as a Drama that a Horror film. The suspense is really edgy and makes you want to fast forward to the next scene to see what happens next. As well as the stand allow story of Briditte's new company 'Ghost' making you want more as the plot continues. Even as a sequel this is a hard one to beat. I whole heartedly will you to see it, even if you have not yet view the first one.
Arash X

I haven't seen the first one yet but this one was somehow creepy with a grim atmosphere
Craig S

Directed by: Brett Sullivan. Starring: Katharine Isabelle, Emily Perkins, Eric Johnson. How do you follow up Ginger Snaps? Although the ending gave an opening for more, it would be a tough task to create… More
Directed by: Brett Sullivan. Starring: Katharine Isabelle, Emily Perkins, Eric Johnson. How do you follow up Ginger Snaps? Although the ending gave an opening for more, it would be a tough task to create something different and just as refreshing as the original....and although the original will always stay the best, Ginger Snaps 2 takes a new route and proves to be strong. The story follows Bridget from the first film, who is now a werewolf herself, while trying to deal with her loss, she has clearly run away from home and is trying everything to keep herself from changing, but when she collapses and the cops find her and think she has overdosed, she awakens to find herself in a rehab clinic and with no 'Wolfsbane' and a werewolf on the loose looking to mate with her, she must find a way before the next full moon to stop it all. There are certainly things I miss from the first film, such as the amazing blend of genres and the metaphors, but this film delivers something different. While being a slight black comedy in parts, it focuses a lot more on our new main character and her struggles with her inner demons....and other elements draw their power from that. Brett Sullivan takes the helm this time and with his editing experience (being editor on Ginger Snaps), he has a more unique and slick vision and works extremely well with the low budget....and he also delivers a lot of intense and exciting gory sequences with acceptable tension. Emily Perkins has finally formed into something good compared to the first film, she has a lot to work with here and delivers a much more solid and convincing performance and newbie Tatiana Maslany has this strange presence about her, she shows insane potential and has this essence of a possible horror icon in the future. I certainly miss the wit and satire of the first film, but with Ginger Snaps 2, it takes a different path that is refreshing. A very strong and compelling horror film with great vision, tension and a strong female cast....and a twist that is surprising and could work for the characters image in future roles.
Jason S

The story was different but it was a good take on the werewolf story. The cast is back and does their job well.
Emily A

Snarky and almost as good as the first, this movie drags a bit but is still really good. Brigitte is a great character, as is Ghost.
Steven V

The film is definitely scary and it has some witty moments, and a good, tight plot. But, this sequel is just so conventional, it's so much more serious and gory than the first one. Overall the film is successfully smart and scary.
Daniel P

A surprisingly very good sequel to the fantastic Ginger Snaps that doesn't simply re-hash the original, but instead takes a different approach, not only in terms of story but in direction, design and style. Darker, with less black humour and a few more scares,… More
A surprisingly very good sequel to the fantastic Ginger Snaps that doesn't simply re-hash the original, but instead takes a different approach, not only in terms of story but in direction, design and style. Darker, with less black humour and a few more scares, it isn't quite as successful as the original but then since its something of a departure to it, it's not necessarily fair to compare them anyway. Emily Perkins, once again, gives a fantastic performance that really helps sell the film. The way she uses her physicality is quite brilliant - who needs special effects when you can tell the story in body language and head movements? The film is effectively split into two parts with the first 45 minutes mostly set in a rehab clinic (with a clichéd 'abandoned wing, strictly off-limits' thrown in for good measure), whilst the second 45 minutes... nah don't want to ruin it. Director Brett Sullivan stages the film impressively and the music score is very unusual and inventive (although I could have done without a couple of the sudden loud screeches that give the requisite 'false shocks'). The story is very good with some nice twists and a slightly 'out there' ending that works very well. Some reviews I've read have said you don't need to have seen the first film to enjoy this but I would strongly disagree, as it helps flesh out the character of Brigitte and her motivations. A definite must see for horror fans.
Lea L

Brigitte's on the run from Bailey Downs, and she tries to prevent what happened to her sister, Ginger, from happening to her by shooting up with monkshood. Eventually she collapses and the police that find assume the monkshood is an illegal drug, and she is sent to rehab. She is… More
Brigitte's on the run from Bailey Downs, and she tries to prevent what happened to her sister, Ginger, from happening to her by shooting up with monkshood. Eventually she collapses and the police that find assume the monkshood is an illegal drug, and she is sent to rehab. She is deprived of the only thing that will stop her from turning into a beast and killing everyone and everything in her way. She meets a girl who is quiet and not well-liked, and much like herself, by the name of Ghost that helps her deal with her new problem and to escape the werewolf curse. .......... Really enjoyed this too. I was amazed with Emily Perkin performance in this. She was mostly in the shadow of Kathrine perfromance in the first one but she carrys herself amazingly on her own. She's the hero who is being taken over by this horrible werewolf virus and the special effects are outstanding in that effect. She looks absolutely deathly in each stage of her transformation. Tatiana Maslany did an incredible performance. The setting of the film from the city, to the asylum to the small empty cottage is brilliant. It's dark, gritty, horrifying and takes a transformation not unlike Brigitte's changes. Recommend - If you have seen the first one an would like to know what happens the Brigitte. .......... Ginger: You know, the faster you heal the closer he gets B. Or is it that the closer he is the faster you heal?
Patrick D

the filmmakers here decided that, much like the first, they were gonna make whatever kind of werewolf film they wanted. In this sense it's quite alot like the first, being that it is quite different from any other werewolf film, but as a result strays alot from the first. Not a… More
the filmmakers here decided that, much like the first, they were gonna make whatever kind of werewolf film they wanted. In this sense it's quite alot like the first, being that it is quite different from any other werewolf film, but as a result strays alot from the first. Not a bad thing. The first was good, but making the same film again would end up it a rather crappy film. GS 2, though, takes Bridgette to a whole different level of lycanthropy and with a bunch of other great elements raises this film up to almost the original level. I'm sure my wording was on the pretentious side, but this film should be appreciated and not bashed, by any stretch of the imagination. I really like it.
Adam M

Not bad,some good moments.
Timothy O

I'm a fool for GS. I love vampire/werewolf movies. Not as good as the first.
Chris M

A sequel unlike other sequels. Normally sequels will spoil the story of the first movie. But in this case the sequel turned out to be just as good as the first in the series. A surprisingly good sequel to 'Ginger Snaps'
Eduardo C

Not as good as the brave, fantastic original (how many times have those words been said in the history of film, I wonder) but still surprisingly strong in its own right. The tone is darker, less self aware, and meaner, with a decidedly wicked ending. Worth seeing for fans of the… More
Not as good as the brave, fantastic original (how many times have those words been said in the history of film, I wonder) but still surprisingly strong in its own right. The tone is darker, less self aware, and meaner, with a decidedly wicked ending. Worth seeing for fans of the original and nonfans alike, as it is quite likely those who have not seen Ginger Snaps will enjoy its sequel more.