Jeepers Creeper: Reborn (2022) – Death gives it life

Directed by: Timo Vuorensola

Starring: Sydney Craven & Imran Adams

Synopsis: Chase and Laine head to the Horror Hound Festival, where Laine begins to experience unexplained premonitions and disturbing visions associated with the town’s past, and in particular, local legend the Creeper. As the festival gets underway and the blood-soaked entertainment builds to a frenzy, Laine believes that something unearthly has been summoned and that for the first time in 23 years, the Creeper is back.

A Franchise – Reborn

With Jeepers Creepers Reborn, director Timo Vuorensola separates the franchise to start fresh.

As with the original film, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn’s opening scene involves two people on the road, a truck chasing them and bodies down a shoot (you know how it goes, right?). Timo pays homage to the classic scene we all remember then we get introduced to Laine (Sydney Craven) and Chase (Imran Adams), Chase loves the myth and lore of The Creeper, but Laine doesn’t stand by it and teases him about liking the ‘terrible Creeper trilogy movies’. Timo sets the stage for his universe and his story.  

The Creeper returns 

A 23-year dormant Creeper comes to life again in Jeepers Creepers: Reborn, bringing chaos and destruction with him. There is also a twist to how the creeper selects its victims, which I won’t spoil. A few new weapons have been added to the Creeper’s arsenal, but the classics are still there. The Creeper’s truck also makes a return. After the release of the first movie, the truck became a character in itself. Jeepers Creepers: Reborn has a high body count and the Creeper gets his chance to show off his skills.

Cut it some slack

A five-week shoot was undertaken for this new instalment during the pandemic. It’s important to take note that people expecting a big-budget horror sequel will be disappointed (take a look at a Blumhouse production versus one from Screen Media). Go into this movie knowing it was made with passion, dedication, and during a time of heightened restrictions. Expectations shouldn’t always be low because of a low budget. CGI complaints? It’s a B-Horror movie, not Marvel, Disney or Pixar. This isn’t the place for someone who can’t grasp that and isn’t prepared for this type of movie production… As a popcorn flick, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn delivers fun without trying to be anything more. 

Verdict

It’s worth checking out, especially coming up to Halloween! A bonus, genre legend Dee Wallace makes a cameo. As the first in a trilogy, I’m looking forward to seeing where Timo takes the series and what he plans for the future.