Phantasm II (1988)

Director: Don Coscarelli

Starring: James Le Gros, Reggie Bannister

Run Time: 97 mins

Certificate: 18

Plot Outline: Michael Pearson is trying to get his revenge on the Tall Man who killed his brother and many others years earlier. He talks his doctor into releasing him from a mental hospital, hooks up with his old friend Reggie and then they set off in pursuit of the mortician from hell.

The Review: This sequel starts off slowly but really kicks into gear in the second half. I hadn't seen the original before I saw this and was a little behind on the story. But that's easy to forget because the film recaps a little and brings you up to speed on events. Then story is almost forgotten about as abundant gore, humour and crazy antics set in and take control for the second half. Angus Scrimm returns as the Tall Man and to only look at him makes you shiver. He looks freaky and when he starts kicking ass, he's even more horrific. The flying spheres are back again and do even more gory damage to their victims! There is a kick-ass chainsaw duel, not to mention the infamous quad-barrelled shotgun that Reggie Bannister uses. These are some of the film's highlights. But if you don't appreciate gore and humour, then this film isn't for you. It also has the usual trademarks of such a horror film - bad acting, poor script and of course, lack of plot. But once the action sets in, you'll forget about it.

Final Verdict: Evil dwarves, chainsaw duels, flying spheres and plenty of gore - if that doesn't get you interested, I don't know what will. Phantasm II is a great horror film - a guilty pleasure.

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