Escape 2
released 2021
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“Escape Room 2: Tournament Of Champions” is the sequel to its predecessor of the similar name called “Escape Room: No Way Out”. It is a psychological, horror, thriller, action film which I would also place in the scifi genre for its clever worldbuilding of the rooms. The story is based on characters from writer Bragi F. Shut. It was produced by Neal H. Moritz and directed by Adam Robitel and the screenplay was written by Will Honley, Maria Melnik, Daniel Tuch and Oren Uziel. It stars Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Thomas Cocquerel, Holland Roden, Indya Moore, Carlito Olivero, Marr Esof, Jamie-Lee Money, Wayne Harrison, Lucy Newmann-Williams, Scott Coker, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Nik Dodani, Yorick van Wageningen, Isabelle Fuhramn, James Frain, Jaymes Butler, Jay Erving, Amali Golden, Renee Harbek, Evan Hengst, Anton David Jeftha, Corin Silva, Derek Slow and Tanya van Graan.

Escape Room: Tournament of Champions IMDb webpage

“Escape Room 2” is the story of Zoey Davis, played by Taylor Russell whose life was, in many ways, hijacked form her and her trusty sidekick Ben Miller, played by Logan Miller. It follows a similar path to the previous film but changes directions and offers further explanations as to how the sick game these people are stuck in is played. The story is simple. Six people are kidnapped and forced to play a game where their very lives are at stake. So they basically go from room to room, some are huge others not so much, figuring out puzzles to escape each room alive. Now every room threatens them with a different, horrofic form of death should they fail. So for example, one room might have the threat of lasers and the next might be drowning in sound or acid rain. The object of the game seems to be to get out alive with a horrific death ever present. This movie is a great example of the individual against the machine.

So. what makes this a good film besides the fact that it´s a fun watch? Well, a lot of reasons. For starters watching the character solve the puzzles together while trying to solve the puzzles before they did was great fun. The scene where they were in a room that resembled a bank was the only one I got and it was fantastic. It was a combination of smarts, the characters working together and bravery on the part of the priest Nathan, played by Thomas Cocquerel. I was intrigued with his character and wanted to know more but alas, the movie was not long enough. He seemed as brooding with as much feelings of guilt for having survived as the others. I bet the priest has an interesting story to tell. This really film really needs to be a mini series to develop the characters more. They are truly fascinating people with varied backgrounds.

I also liked the way this film told us more about the grand mystery that is this sadistic game, like how it worked. One interesting aspect of this game was how things were not as they seemed and people were not who they seemed, in some cases. Now that should be obvious from the get-go but this story takes it to a new level. Not to give away any spoilers but think of Theo, played by Carlito Olivero.

The horror aspect of this film is another element of genius. The idea of being kidnapped into a game and not being able to ever escape for reasons that really aren´t clear is a terrifying thing. The characters and us, the viewer, are constantly asking, why? Why them? Why do this? Among just some of the questions that poke at all our minds. I only wish they would answer some of these questions in a mini series someday. Otherwise, we can all just keep throwing theories around.

Escape Room 2: Tournament of Champions is a good watch so check it out.

John Ink2Quill

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