Chuck Russell horror sequel sees a teen mental patient (Patricia Arquette)
having dreams of disfigured murderer Freddy Krueger, but this is no
ordinary girl. It seems she can pull other people into her dreams, a
useful tool as the wise-cracking mad slasher starts bumping of her fellow
sonambulants.
Craig ‘Can’t Act His Way out of a Hat’ Wasson is the doctor
who wants to help the kids, whilst Heather Langenkamp returns as Freddy
survivor Nancy. Also on hand are Nancy’s now drunk father John Saxon, and
a young Laurence ‘That’s OK, You Can Call Me Larry’ Fishburne as a
friendly orderly.
Easily the best in the Elm Street series, this inventive, scary and very
funny (the bourbon line is especially memorable) sequel was executive
produced by Wes Craven, and it shows.
Thematically, it has much to do with
the first film, and thankfully ignored the second. Excellent FX, and the
most likeable characters in the entire series (my favourite being tough
hood Kincaid), even if Wasson and Langenkamp are underwhelming. Visually
spectacular, with arresting sets and imagery. A fine music score, too. If
only they eliminated that godawful metal song by German hair band Dokken.
OVERALL SUMMARY
A near-perfect blend of comedy and horror, something very hard to do. It
also has a much more satisfying end than the first film.
