For this much-delayed sequel, director Tim Burton has hewed close to the strengths of the original, repeating them when appropriate and acknowledging them when not.

A collage of Hitchcockian elements baked into a story with a more graphic approach than anything the Master of Suspense ever achieved.

Although better than it has a right to be and represents a worthy way to dispose of a couple of hours lying on the couch at home, this is hardly a triumphant return for Axel.

At best, it can be considered as an adequate thriller/comedy chock full of generic action and stale humor.

When the warped humor and unallayed brutality are working hand-in-hand, this is a fun (if bizarre) experience.

It is never a good sign when any documentary elements of a bio-pic are more arresting than the dramatized portions.