This sequel to the film version of one of Stephen King’s most popular works sees Mary Lambert back at the helm, this time focusing on the trials and tribulations of Eddie Furlong’s Jeff, as he tries to cope with the death of his mother.
The school bullies tell Jeff about the Indian burial ground deep in the woods behind the titular location, and Jeff and his friend Drew soon find that the legend is true. In classic ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ style, things never go as planned and the boys soon find themselves in way over their heads.
The film signifies the beginnings of the MTV style teen horror movie, which would kick into full effect three years later with ‘The Craft’. The film boasts a good cast and a number of fun set pieces, including nightmarish sequences, yucky deaths, and last but by no means least THAT scene involving a head-on collision with a potatoe truck.
Mary Lambert includes a number of stylish scenic shots (loving the aerial work) and the film has a real creepy vibe about it that is also infused with some morbidly ghoulish humour.
The cast are all very good, with Clancy Brown scaring the shite out of me just as much as he did 13 years ago, and there are plenty of gory moments to be found throughout (none of which should be viewed by animal lovers).
OVERALL SUMMARY
I remember the first film being creepier, but this sequel is still an enjoyable thrill ride and it never gets boring.