Phantasm II (1988)



Movie Title: Phantasm II

Year Released: 1988

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 37min

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi,Thriller

Director: Don Coscarelli

Writer: Don Coscarelli

Starring: James Le Gros, Reggie Bannister, Angus Scrimm, Paula Irvine, Samantha Phillips, Kenneth Tigar, Ruth C. Engel, Mark Major, Rubin Kushner, Stacey Travis, J. Patrick McNamara, A. Michael Baldwin

Review: The Ball Is Back! Phantasm II picks up literally right where the original Phantasm ended. All seems lost until Reggie (Reggie Bannister) rescues young Mike from the clutches of the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) and his mini monstrous minions. Now it's 10 years later and Mike (now played by James Le Gros) and Reggie hit the road, along with the help of a beautiful stranger (Paula Irvine), to track down their altitudinous arch nemesis and stop him for good.

Much like Evil Dead 2, Phantasm II is a horror sequel that actually stays true to the original while enriching its already established world. With a major studio behind the project, and a bigger budget, writer-director Don Coscarelli was able to continue his inventive and iconic horror series with more elaborate special effects and action without losing what made Phantasm so remarkable and memorable to horror audiences. The only really change here, besides the re-casting of the Mike character, is that Phantasm II is more of a linear story which takes away some of the dream-like quality that made the original so unique.

But don't worry, Phantasm II is still a nightmare of a movie, in the best way possible! The Tall Man is creepy as ever. The demonic dwarves are weirdly menacing. And the balls (the silver spheres) are back...and badder than ever! Armed with drills, blades, saws, and even lasers (Yes, LASERS!!!) these flying orbs of death are out for blood and get plenty of it throughout the course of this frightmare flick.

Much like the first, Phantasm II is a slow burn, which gets a little noticeable at times, but the last 30 minutes are pure horror movie awesomeness that has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. I'm telling you that you'd be hard-pressed to find another horror movie, and a sequel no less, that has a better final act than the extraordinary one you'll see in Phantasm II.

Phantasm II is definitely one of my favorite '80s horror movies. It truly raises the stakes, gore, and horror and makes the Phantasm franchise one to be reckoned with, you just cannot deny it...or face the wrath of the Tall Man (which it actually says in the end credits).

Stars (out of 4):
       

Fun Fact: Brad Pitt auditioned for the role of Mike.


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