Gather 'round, horror hounds! The Creep is back, and he's brought a fresh batch of technicolor terrors in "Creepshow 2." This 1987 follow-up to the Romero-King classic proves that sometimes, the second helping of nightmare fuel can be just as intoxicating as the first. Director Michael Gornick takes the reins from Romero, serving up a trio of tales that prove the unholy union of horror and humor is alive and well... or should we say, undead and cackling?
Three Scoops of Screams
Trimmed down from its predecessor's quintet, "Creepshow 2" offers a leaner, meaner triptych of terror. From a wooden Indian's revenge to a blob-like lake monster with an appetite for skinny-dippers, to a hit-and-run that gives new meaning to the phrase "haunting guilt," this anthology proves that sometimes less is gore.
Stars Align for Scares
While perhaps lacking the star power of its predecessor, "Creepshow 2" still boasts some delightfully hammy performances. George Kennedy chews the scenery (and some unfortunate victims) in "Old Chief Wood'nhead," while Lois Chiles and Don Harvey bring sweaty desperation to "The Raft." And let's not forget Stephen King himself, making a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo as a truck driver with impeccable timing.
Practical Effects Parade
Once again, the gruesome genius of effects wizard Howard Berger is on full display. From the cracking, awakening visage of Old Chief Wood'nhead to the pulsating, oily menace of the lake blob, each effect is a loving tribute to the days when horror was handcrafted, not CGI'd.
Animated Interlude
New to this installment are the animated sequences featuring our host, The Creep. These cartoon interludes, while perhaps not to everyone's taste, add a unique flavor to the anthology format and further emphasize the comic book roots of the series.
Synth Scares Galore
Les Reed's score picks up where John Harrison left off, delivering a synth-heavy soundtrack that perfectly captures the film's blend of 80s cheese and genuine creeps. It's the kind of music that makes you want to dance... right before running for your life.
The Legacy: A Cult Classic Creeps In
While perhaps not reaching the dizzying heights of its predecessor, "Creepshow 2" has carved out its own niche in horror history. Its tales have become iconic in their own right, with "The Raft" in particular haunting the dreams of anyone who's ever taken a dip in a secluded lake.
Conclusion: Second Verse, Same as the Curse
In the end, "Creepshow 2" is like that second comic book you'd sneak under your covers after bedtime - maybe not quite as mind-blowing as the first, but still packed with enough gruesome delights to keep you up all night. It's a film that understands the Creepshow formula and delivers it with gusto, proving that sometimes, horror is best served with a knowing wink and a bloodcurdling scream. So the next time you're out for a drive, or taking a dip in a lake, or even just passing by an old cigar store Indian... remember, the Creep is watching, and he's always ready with another tale to tell!
And that is Creepshow 2 Reviewed. A true classic horror movie anthology that we honestly love.
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