There are rules when going to see this movie.

Rule #1. Get there early. It’s not so you can watch the corny Progressive and Chevy commercials. It’s not even so much to catch the trailers for the new movies, though that’s always a good thing. It’s because you need to eat every kernel of popcorn and every Milk Dud and drink every drop of your Pepsi before the movie starts because you have no idea how loud it sounds during the movie. I’m pretty sure that the people in the very back row can hear you biting down on anything you eat. The silence is truly deafening.

Rule #2. Watch the first one again. The story stands somewhat on its own but this movie picks up literally seconds after A Quiet Place ends…that is, after an opening sequence of Day 1 of the invasion. (Also, another reason not to be late. You don’t want to miss a second of the beginning scene.)

Rule #3. Where you see it is critical! Anyone who knows me at all knows that I will tell everyone to see movies in the theater because a big screen makes a huge difference. That applies here but in addition, try to find a theater where the sound is top-notch. For a movie that utilizes silence so distinctly, the sounds that you do hear are amazingly powerful and you won’t want to miss even the sound of footsteps.

When tickets first went on sale, I got my ticket to see it in IMAX so I could see it on the biggest screen with the best possible sound, but I just couldn’t wait so I went to see it on preview Thursday night. Now, I’m excited to see it again.

It’s 97 minutes long and there are stretches that might seem slow for a second but all that does is set you up to jump out of your seat. The time flies by and you can’t believe it goes so quickly. If you’ve seen the trailers then you even know the scares are coming and they still get you. There was one scene from the trailer that is a pretty significant spoiler but that’s a minor quibble.

If you’re squeamish about blood and gore, there’s very little. This movie, just like the first one, relies on the terror of the slightest sound drawing the creatures toward their victims. When a boy is severely injured, your heart breaks as he screams in pain and yet you wish he could be quiet, all the while knowing how badly he must be hurting.

Though it’s not emphasized at all, something that came to mind for me is how what we are seeing is only a few hours after this family has lost their husband/father. I also appreciate that there was one ending instead of trying to have six endings, yes, I’m looking at you every Marvel film ever made!

Yes, it’s an alien/creature movie so you have to suspend some disbelief but somehow it feels all so real. When some sequels end, you tell yourself that you hope they just leave well enough alone. For me, I’m ready to see A Quiet Place: Part 3 tomorrow!

Check out my post on the Double-Feature screening.