Twisted Illusions 2 is the twenty-year anniversary from director Tim Ritter and Joel Wynkoop, who made the original Twisted Illusions back in the 80’s. When it comes down to it, I can say this: TI2 is one of the most satisfying no-budget efforts in recent memory.

I have never gotten to see the original Twisted Illusions. If I am not mistaken Tim was only 17 or so when it was made. And I will also admit to saying Tim is one of my favorite no-budget directors, delivering some great genre pieces like Creep and Killing Spree. So, I had to see this.

The first story is called Betrayal. Written and Directed by John Bowker (Housebound and Abomination) this little short is a cool little piece that is tightly edited, acted, and shot. Guys, if your woman ever gets a weird looking book with spells, don’t leave her, or cheat on her…or if you go out with a girl, make sure she knows who the girl is. In my opinion, this is the weakest of the three, but it isn’t that weak. Not by a long shot.

The second short is by the Creep himself, Joel Wynkoop. Called The Part, Joel plays a murderer who is set free from a insane asylum. But because of his treatment, he has channeled his anger to other things, rather than killing, like acting. He ends up getting the part, but he has to audition one last time for one more person. But the directors like what they see
and keep telling him, 'practice for the part'. And believe me, Joel knows practice. THis is a very fun short and Wynkoop's performance is one of his best.

The third short, by Tim Ritter, is the best. Despite Tim's background in underground gore/horror, he goes for the stylish thriller flick and leaves most of the other no-budget films in the dust. I will go as far to say that this is one, if not my favorite short films. The acting is dead on, from everybody, especially Larry Treadway. He is just so insane and menacing as
the non-stop Terminator-like hunter of the 'tapes'. Not one bit of blood or gore, and no actual t n' a, except for a girl in a cold room. By far Ritter's most stylish film, and this looks to be a turning point for him. He seems to be going into different territory, territory that most no-budget filmmakers decide to load with cheap blood and gore or t n' a. But Ritter is going full on with what a real movie comes down to: great storytelling.

I really can not recommend this movie enough. Although the first 2 segments basic let downs are in that they were filmed with lower level equipment in a world of 3chip mini dv, they still blow the competition away. Bowker and Wynkoop are talents, and their movies need to be seen on a wider level. Hopefully Ritter will put his segment into some fest (maybe the whole movie...) because it deserves some recognition for what a quality piece of filmmaking it is.

I saw a VHS screener, intercut with scenes from old drive-ins, so the DVD I am sure will look and sound great. The DVD will also come complete with the original Twisted Illusions, so it will be a DVD to get. I just hope this gets seen by a large audience. Buy it!