The Strangers (2008) An annoying couple (Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman) returning home late at night from a wedding are terrorized by three masked sociopaths who try to get inside their house. Writer-director Bryan Bertino does a good job at building tension within the first 30 minutes, but it unfortunately escalates into a nonsensical game of cat-and-mouse. It’s all executed handsomely and filled with gimmicky thrills, but, you can’t help feel as if you’ve been cheated by a pro. C+
The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018) A family staying at a relative’s trailer park fight to the death against the three masked psychos from the 2008 film in this surprisingly good sequel. The action moves at a brisk pace and director Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down) frames a lot of the movie with an eye on suspense. Also, unlike the lazy characters from the first movie, the ones here are injected with energy and don’t spend the whole movie crying in a corner. Despite a bit too many plot conveniences, this does a good job at keeping you on the edge of your seat up until the fiery climax. B