This felt like an overly bright TV movie, something like a Sci-Fi Channel Original just to keep the franchise on life support rather than a direct sequel. Speaking of, it takes a detour from the first film, ignoring its existence, despite Warwick Davis returning with a slightly more badass makeup design.
The original had a decent balance of horror and goofy charm, this sequel doesn’t seem to commit to either. You’d think they would lean into one of or both…
EMILIOOOOOOO! in all his ‘80s bad-boy glory, he really cornered the market on playing guys who don’t give a hoot about nuttin' with films like this, Nightmares, and Repoman. And directed by Stephen King? Well, I guess he really can't do it all as he's let loose and over excited with nothing to offer. Perhaps a bit too much of the devil's dandruff. The Green Goblin truck was an interesting design choice. I assume there’s got to be a mildly…
“Feast your eyes! Glut your soul on my accursed ugliness!”
A genre-defining film that laid the foundation for so much of what we now associate with horror cinema and it’s historical significance is undeniable. Lon Chaney’s self-applied makeup remains one of the most iconic in film history and his character is the blueprint for so many tortured monsters.
The film is a work of art, it’s not necessarily something I’d throw on for casual viewing on the couch (Thanks Joe Bob!) But would love to experience this in a theater with a live orchestra though!
***watched via JBB
