So how 'bout that Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), huh? For a sequel to a movie that wasn't exactly crying out for a sequel, it's not that bad. This is, of course, discounting the Floating Family Power and Gramma's Mighty Angel Robes ending and the whole "They're all psychics?" angle. Other than that, though, I don't think the film completely deserves its rep as a total turkey.
Reverend Kane is undeniably creepy. When he shows up at the Freeling's house and demands repeatedly to be let in, it's downright scary, especially since we don't know yet what this kookadook's motivations are- he's just a weird looking dude who seems...off...and really wants to get into their house.
Dammit, I like the Freelings. It's not often when you find characters who are across the board likable, especially in the horror genre, but this family fits the bill. They're sweet without being sickening, they're good but not perfect, they're funny and kind and man...it seems like they even like each other. The relationship between Steven (Craig T Nelson) and Diane (JoBeth Williams) is simply a delight to watch.The scene where Steven pukes up the 'roided out tequila worm is so fucking boss! When it turns into the slimy torso thing and slithers away? Please. That scene alone makes Poltergeist II worthwhile.
It certainly isn't on par with the original film and it's certainly not the greatest of shakes, but come on. Cut it some slack, folks.Except the end. The end sucks, I'll give you that.
I always loved Poltergeist II. I grew up with it. Kane freaked me out and I still can't get the image of the tequila worm scene out of my head. I also really liked Taylor. The ending was waaaaayyy over the top; the story jumped about five sharks with that ending!
ReplyDeletei really liked poltergeist II a lot when i saw it as a kid.
ReplyDeletethe tequilla worm scene stuck with me baaaaaad.
i have never to this day even touched the stuff. i've been to mexico 3 times. no gracias.
"let me in ... let's talk about it." is one of the creepiest lines delivered ever.
I saw "Poltergeist II" several times on HBO before I ever saw the original, so I hold a certain amount of respect for it. Kane is a good villain, and even creepier are the flashbacks of his congregation sealing themselves in the cave.
ReplyDeleteWhat always cracked me up was how the Freelings moved to a house right next to a cemetery. Great plan, after the whole Indian burial ground mishap, let's put things behind us by living practically IN a cemetery!
p.s. the word verification for this comment was "Metuble." Give that word to Larry Cohen and he could probably craft a pretty decent horror movie around it.
Kane looked so creepy because that actor was actually dying of cancer when he shot his part! True story! Now go watch P2 again and try to sleep tonight.
ReplyDeleteOne can never have enough Carl Anne in their life, especially when there are push huppies involved.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this movie since I was a kid but I can vividly recall the tequila worm scene, so that shit obviously did it's job. UGH.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of word verifications, mine is "fative" which is obviously a melding together of "fat" and "active" and I am trying to not find myself offended by it by crafting a pretend fitness brand that I will be the CEO of using that name. Don't be fat and INactive! Be Fative! Cue slow motion footage of morbidly obese people bouncing on trampolines. I smell a winner!
Kane and the worm thing - definitely worth the price of admission. Ya gotta admit - Poltergeist 3 makes Poltergeist 2 look like Poltergeist 1.
ReplyDeleteI actually paid money to see Poltergeist III in the theater. We joked afterwards it was called Poltergeist III because everyone shouted their lines 3 times: "The swimming pool! The swimming pool! The swimming pool!" and so on.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this movie when I was a kid... it scared me, because I've actually had weird people like Kane come up to my doors.
ReplyDeleteCreepy.
The whole tequila worm bit is the scariest thing in the whole film and a great bit of acting by Craig T. Nelson... too bad that you have to sit through a lot of DULL film to get to that part - and then the end is a definite letdown.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone noticed that Rev. Kane looks a lot like the Rev. Fred Phelps. Coincidence? I DON'T THINK SO.
A very long time since I saw it, but I remember the spooky guy with the hat being just that (spooky). Had forgotten all about Mr. Tequila Worm, but now you mention it... yes, brilliant scene.... I'm choking just thinking about it!
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