House II: The Second Story (1987)

Just perfect...

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I remember seeing the original House when it first came out when I was 15, and being quite disappointed. The trailers made it look quite scary but it was more silly and fun. It wasn't quite a horror and not quite a comedy and fell in a grey area, though saying that it was quite a good idea and inventive in parts. This sequel however makes that movie look like a masterpiece. The main problem I have with it is that it just seems like it's a kid's movie, but the 15 rating and the deaths at the beginning show that it's not meant for a very young audience. It all just therefore comes across as juvenile. We have childish cute plastic and fluffy type characters from another dimension, and it doesn't have the gore, monsters and sense of eeriness and atmosphere that the first one had. It becomes more a fantasy and a silly one at that.

Jesse (Arye Gross) and his girlfriend Kate move into his family mansion. They are joined by his annoying friend Charlie (Jonathan Stark) and Lana. Jesse uncovers an old story of his great great grandfather and his creepy partner Slim Reeser discovering an ancient Mayan crystal skull. They dig up a grave to find the skull only to encounter the dead corpse of Gramps.The original House is one of those lesser known horrors that I actually bought into. House isn't anything original. It's a simple haunt house movie. I like the character and find his battle compelling. This sequel is less than that and more of a bore. There is nothing scary or compelling. Gross is a functional lead but not too engaging. The best friend is annoying but the other characters are somewhat more problematic. The girls suddenly leave early in the movie for no good reason. Characters keep coming in and leaving. In addition, I would assume the original house would return. Instead of a house in the suburbs, this is a mansion without a neighborhood. Sure, there was a fire at the end of the original movie but the house was still standing. If there is one thing that should be maintained in this franchise, it ought to be the house.

Arye Gross, Jonathan Stark, Royal Dano, Lar Park-Lincoln, Amy Yasbeck, Bill Maher and John Ratzenberger star in this 1987 horror comedy. This chapter focuses on 25-year old guy, Jesse McLaughlin (Gross) who inherits his ancestors home. Soon, Jesse learns about his great-great grandfather, Jesse aka Gramps (Dano) who was a cowboy in the old west and possessed an ancient crystal skull. Stark (Fright Night) plays Jesse's goofy pal, Charlie who helps him dig up Gramps to see if the skull is with him. Jesse and Charlie get a surprise when Gramps is basically a 170 year-old zombie brought back to life by the skull and take him home with them. He reveals about his days as a gunslinger, the powers of the skull and the house's mysterious secrets. Jesse and Charlie also meet Gramps' old partner turned enemy, Slim, now an evil zombie trying get his hands on the skull. Park-Lincoln (Friday the 13th VII) plays Jesse's girlfriend, Kate, Yasbeck (Problem Child) plays Charlie's girlfriend, Lana, Maher plays Kate's boss, John who is a record producer and Ratzenberger (Cheers) plays electrician, Bill. I've always enjoyed this film and like the original, it has bizarre, creepy and campy moments plus a bit of dramatic ones as well. The cast, make-up effects and Harry Manfredini's score are great. I recommend this good, underrated 80's flick.

Fun but dumb, "House II: The Second Story" is an altogether different tale than that of the original "House," starring William Katt. In the second installment, a yuppie couple (Arye Gross and Lar Park Lincoln) inherit a mansion, only to discover an alternate universe inside. Hijinks ensue when the lucky owner reunites with his undead great-great-grandfather and, along with his goofy buddy, battles baby pterodactyls, angry outlaws and Bill Maher.Although a character in "Scream 2" cites the film as a superior sequel, "House II" does little to one-up its predecessor. Taking on a much lighter tone and with little to no violence, this sequel is more like a campy spoof of the first film, which in and of itself was a silly affair. No worries, though, as once you know what to expect, you can have a good time with the film. The performances across the board are light-hearted and fun, with plenty of lovable goofballs to go around (a sequel concerning these characters would be a good time). The score by Harry Manfredini is most memorable, as you'll be humming the film's main theme not long after the credits have rolled.Writer/director Ethan Wiley may not have created much of a horror film, but his blend of the supernatural and absurd with a hint of Western makes for a winning recipe that just can't be matched. Those expecting bloodshed and jump-scares will be left in the cold, but perhaps with a few drinks in hand and with the right expectations, you'll find "House II: The Second Story" a film deserving of the title "cult classic."