Phantasm II was released in 1988, nine years after its affectionately remembered initial installment, and it’s an archetypal ’80s horror film: replete with prosthetic effects, geysers of blood, gratuitous sex, James LeGros (the poor man’s Kevin Bacon), and explosions—two, actually, within the first thirteen minutes. These aspects are not what really characterize the Phantasm franchise, however, which is known for its demon dwarves, Angus Scrimm’s leering Tall Man, and the hearse he drives wrecklessly. The supernatural, really, is the distinguishing feature, which in my opinion is totally mystified in both films. There’s a scene in II, even, that echoes 2001’s famous epilogue, but with none of the philosiphical import. Instead, every scene, every line of dialogue, every ridiculously souped-up weapon (including a four-barrel shotgun, which is used accordingly to expend four of the aforesaid demon dwarves—simultaneously), and every flourish of the special effects is intent to enhance the atmosphere of total, cacophonic mayhem. The result is riotously entertaining.
by Rumsey Taylor | Source: VHS
25 Jul 2008 6:14 PM | Comments (1)
Yeah, it’s pretty damn sweet.
Paul
28 August 2008
3:44 AM