Writer/director Rob Zombie follows up his 2001 debut, House of 1000 Corpses, with a pitch-black sequel that's bigger and nastier in every way. More a grisly road movie than outright horror, the film swaps the original's flashy visuals and surreal atmosphere for unflinching brutality and ultra-gritty realism. It will take a strong stomach to watch as the crimes of the depraved Firefly family finally catch up with them, forcing the serial-killing Otis (Bill Moseley), Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie) and Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig) to run for their lives. The vicious tale plays like an early Wes Craven/Sam Peckinpah hybrid, boasting grainy, 1970s-style cinematography and an evocative period soundtrack. But, even if he hasn't yet entirely found his own voice, Zombie still demonstrates greater confidence and skill here. In places his dialogue is as snappy as Tarantino's, while his rogues' gallery of intense and memorable characters makes the picture worthy of cult status.

The murderous, backwoods Firefly family take to the road to escape the vengeful Sheriff Wydell, who is not afraid of being as ruthless as his target.