Step right up, horror hounds! The Ghoulies are back, and this time they're painting the town red – literally. "Ghoulies II," the 1988 sequel to the cult classic, cranks up the chaos and hurls our pint-sized predators into the neon-soaked world of a traveling carnival. Strap in for a funhouse ride through practical effects mayhem and B-movie bliss.
From The Toilets to The Tilt-A-Whirls
Director Albert Band, a veteran of schlock cinema, takes the reins of this circus of the damned. Gone are the gothic trappings of the original – "Ghoulies II" trades candlelit rituals for cotton candy and carnies. It's a bold move that injects fresh blood into the franchise, proving these little monsters can raise hell anywhere.
A Carnival of Carnage
Our story follows the unfortunate souls of Satan's Den, a failing haunted house attraction run by Uncle Ned (Royal Dano) and his nephew Larry (Damon Martin). When our titular terrors hitch a ride in their truck, the carnival suddenly finds itself with some very real – and very hungry – new attractions.
Puppet Pandemonium Perfected
If the original "Ghoulies" dipped its toe into the pool of practical effects, the sequel does a cannonball. The creature designs, once again helmed by effects wizard John Carl Buechler, are a triumph of rubber and animatronics. Each Ghoulie has a distinct personality, from the hulking Fish Ghoulie to the mischievous Rat Ghoulie. It's like Jim Henson's worst acid trip come to life.
A Cast of Carnival Misfits
While "Ghoulies II" may not boast any breakout stars, it revels in its ensemble of character actors. Kerry Remsen shines as the plucky Nicole, while Phil Fondacaro (fresh off "Willow") brings gravitas to his role as Sir Nigel Penneyweight, a dwarf magician with secrets of his own. It's a smorgasbord of 80s B-movie talent that adds flavor to every scene.
The Midway of Mayhem
Where the original kept its creatures mostly in the shadows, "Ghoulies II" lets them run wild. From hijacking carnival rides to wreaking havoc in the fun house, these pint-sized terrors are finally unleashed in all their glory. It's a creature feature fever dream that delivers on the promise of its predecessor.
A Legacy of Latex and Laughs
"Ghoulies II" marks the point where the franchise fully embraces its campy roots. It's a perfect time capsule of late 80s horror-comedy, where the line between screams and laughter is delightfully blurred. This sequel set the template for the increasingly zany installments that would follow.
Conclusion: A Funhouse Mirror to 80s Excess
In the end, "Ghoulies II" is more than just a monster mash – it's a cotton candy-colored reflection of its era. It embodies the excess, the humor, and the unapologetic fun that defined 80s horror. While it may not be high art, it remains a rollercoaster ride of practical effects wizardry and B-movie charm. So the next time you visit a carnival, keep an eye out for any suspiciously lumpy stuffed animals – you might just be winning a Ghoulie.
And that is Ghoulies 2 from 1988 Reviewed. A fun classic horror movie that takes us back to the campiness of 80s horror comedy flicks.
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