Whilst not a movie in the strictest sense; ABCs of Death 2 is the second in a series of comedy horror omnibuses showcasing 26 short films from a group of international directors, each based on a word beginning with a letter in the alphabet.

As the title suggests what ties these films together is the theme of death, be it gruesome (which is by far the most common), shocking or just plain strange. Best watched in sections, it’s short film format is both a blessing and curse. Whilst it ensures it has something for everyone, you are often forced to sit through 3-4 minutes of terrible jokes (Letter P) or a shameless and exaggerated attack of special effects (Letter I) which altogether isn’t very entertaining; but luckily not for very long! Similarly if you enjoy a particular film it often feels fleeting and unsatisfying.

The format also brings with it a lack of continuity, with some stylish features, some strange, some crude and some emotional it’s very difficult to watch in one sitting with the range of emotions a little too broad to take in. Watching for too long, I began to feel little numb to intended impact of any given letter or film and would have much preferred in some cases to have watched them individually.

This franchise and indeed this feature, is a showcase for some glorious talent. The legendary animator Bill Plympton (Letter H) sits alongside the talented Julian Barret (Letter B and The Mighty Boosh), it’s a showcase for international talent including Canada’s Astron-6 and visionary Hiajime Ohata (Letter O), whose post-apocalyptic zombie government is an inventive and unique take on the genre.

Fans of horror should certainly go out and find themselves a copy. ABC’s of Death 2 is a collection 26 excellent short films and may pave the way for some glorious talent to enter the mainstream horror circuit. There is sure to be an ABC’s of Death 3; and it’s something I’d more than willingly watch….just maybe not whilst eating my lunch!

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