Belial and Duane are together again. Somehow they survived the heavy fall in the first episode. This time they get shelter in Granny Ruths place. She is a pro-freak-activist which helps and protects all of the "unique" creatures she can find. This time there are no doctors to mangle, but a bunch of evil journalists who are looking for fame by finding them. The rest is obvious. I liked this one just as much as the first one. The difference is that it´s a more humouristic and less scary sequel. It also has a twisted ending which makes it even more fun to watch. Enjoy!
59 Reviews
pretty pointless, but fun.
lost-in-limbo18 October 2004
Duane and his deformed Siamese twin brother Belial survived the fall from their hotel window in the original, to wake up in a hospital. While trying to escape from the hospital, they're helped out by a doctor who's called Dr. Freak by her peers. She takes them back to her place but Belial is not alone as Belial finds companionship with the other freaks that live there too. To make matters worse is that their hideaway is put at risk a by reporter who is after a story about the twins.
After being surprised by how good the original was, I was a bit disappointed with this sequel as it felt like a dumb down comic adventure. It's not awful but the charm of the original is lost in this film, with a comedy element (trying too much to be funny) and a bigger budget replacing the raw and gritty feel which made the original a grind house treat. The special effects and acting are a tad better this time around, though I miss the originals funny over the top performances. The plot is really lame and there's hardly any gore to be found. Though there is a lot more freaks this time- but they seem to take back seat to Beliel, as he orchestrates most of the violence while they spectate. In doing so you hope they would get into the action- but they seem harmless and play more towards the comedy side of things. Towards the end there are some comical scenes that you think what the??? Or why am I seeing this??? Its alright I guess, but you could say it's a pretty pointless sequel.
3/5
After being surprised by how good the original was, I was a bit disappointed with this sequel as it felt like a dumb down comic adventure. It's not awful but the charm of the original is lost in this film, with a comedy element (trying too much to be funny) and a bigger budget replacing the raw and gritty feel which made the original a grind house treat. The special effects and acting are a tad better this time around, though I miss the originals funny over the top performances. The plot is really lame and there's hardly any gore to be found. Though there is a lot more freaks this time- but they seem to take back seat to Beliel, as he orchestrates most of the violence while they spectate. In doing so you hope they would get into the action- but they seem harmless and play more towards the comedy side of things. Towards the end there are some comical scenes that you think what the??? Or why am I seeing this??? Its alright I guess, but you could say it's a pretty pointless sequel.
3/5
A tad better than the first but still frustrating to watch
breakdownthatfilm-blogspot-com9 August 2015
For writer/director Frank Henenlotter, fame came in a small basket, literally. With the release of Basket Case (1982), Henenlotter had shown audiences that he created a unique horror icon to bring forth to the public. Unfortunately that's all Henenlotter had. Looking back, the film did have some parts that were different from other horror films from the 1980s. Yet this did not override the whole fact that the story itself did not make any sense and the characters weren't as likable as one would want them to be. However, even with these flaws Henenlotter was able to get his chance to film a sequel. The sequel did not arrive until 1990 (which was abnormal for sequels back then to have such a gap) and it seemed that there was small bits of improvement. Then again there are still other things that keep getting put into the script that add to the confusion. For what it's worth though, Basket Case (1982) did not need a sequel. Its finale was gratifying enough.
Like other sequels, Basket Case 2 (1990) picks up where Basket Case (1982) finished. After their fall, Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck) and his separated deformed siamese twin Belial are taken to the nearest hospital to recover. There, Belial and Duane get a ride from Granny Ruth (Annie Ross) and Susan (Heather Rattray) to their home, which is a house of other outlandishly deformed outcasts. Meanwhile, a money grubbing reporter named Marcie (Kathryn Meisle) and her partner Phil (Ted Sorel) look to expose the Bradley brothers' location for their crimes. This story isn't bad at all. In fact, the concept is much more immersive than that of what Henenlotter wrote for his first film. Unfortunately, it's the execution that brings about the problems. It was hard pressed to say whether Belial and Duane were the viewers' designated protagonists. Sure you could sympathize that they were separated at birth and wanted payback, yet the relationship between the two characters didn't feel like they knew each other.
That feeling goes double for here. Both Duane and Belial have several opportunities to redeem themselves and learn from their mistakes, and yet they don't. It is truly unfortunate. That's one of the best parts about Henenlotter's writing specifically this time and yet it isn't utilized properly. Belial finds love and Duane thinks that he deserves his chance to be normal and find love with Susan. Duane sits down and talks with Belial and gets laughed at. Well okay, some brother you are Belial. Although I must question Duane's newfound "love" for Susan. They literally just met. Turns out the first chance Duane finds love, he wants to sleep with the girl (just like the original film). Even after Belial finds love, he continues to kill people (just like the original film). These characters do not develop what so ever. It's actually more accurate to say the execution feels fairly similar to that of what happened in the first film. Duane and Belial although brothers, don't exactly have brotherly love to show for each other. A very poor standing love/hate relationship.
Another thing that needs to be questioned again is how does Belial have a reproductive system? The first film (even this one through flashback) stated Belial was only connected by tissue and shared no vital organs, so what is Duane's brother running on? The logic makes no sense. Another element that doesn't make sense, yet was creative were the other freakishly deformed residence of Granny Ruth's house. What didn't make sense were some of the deformities like having as one character is credited as "Man with 27 Noses", "Frog Boy" or "Toothy". Many of the designs are truly beyond plausible but the fact that a concept artist had to conjure up such distortions is worth noting. Plus, the practical effects used for the costumes and gory violence are used nicely. And although the design of Belial has changed, he at least has better movement from before and doesn't howl at ear blistering decibels like the original movie.
Robert M. Baldwin instead of Bruce Torbet handled the cinematography for this entry. Surprisingly, Baldwin keeps the same visual style of Torbet and cranks it up a couple notches from less gritty indie film to a more professionally made film. Plus, there are some moments where the lighting and angles the cameras move at gives a much more trippier feel to it because it is so bizarre of a story. And because the effects look better, it doesn't seem as obvious that Belial was originally a puppet and now more like a live creature. The music was of no improvement though. Instead of Gus Russo, Joe Renzetti (known for his music from Child's Play (1988) composed the music. And just like Child's Play (1988), Renzetti's music does have creepy sounding tunes but they are very short-lived and more atmospheric than anything else, leaving little to the imagination. It's really nothing to be impressed about because it's so difficult to remember how to hum the tune.
It has better looking effects, violence and cinematography and its screenplay had moments of opportunity. Regrettably the opportunities weren't seized, which led to frustrating direction, bad continuity and confusing motivational choices. Surprisingly it's better than the first,....but not by much.
Like other sequels, Basket Case 2 (1990) picks up where Basket Case (1982) finished. After their fall, Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck) and his separated deformed siamese twin Belial are taken to the nearest hospital to recover. There, Belial and Duane get a ride from Granny Ruth (Annie Ross) and Susan (Heather Rattray) to their home, which is a house of other outlandishly deformed outcasts. Meanwhile, a money grubbing reporter named Marcie (Kathryn Meisle) and her partner Phil (Ted Sorel) look to expose the Bradley brothers' location for their crimes. This story isn't bad at all. In fact, the concept is much more immersive than that of what Henenlotter wrote for his first film. Unfortunately, it's the execution that brings about the problems. It was hard pressed to say whether Belial and Duane were the viewers' designated protagonists. Sure you could sympathize that they were separated at birth and wanted payback, yet the relationship between the two characters didn't feel like they knew each other.
That feeling goes double for here. Both Duane and Belial have several opportunities to redeem themselves and learn from their mistakes, and yet they don't. It is truly unfortunate. That's one of the best parts about Henenlotter's writing specifically this time and yet it isn't utilized properly. Belial finds love and Duane thinks that he deserves his chance to be normal and find love with Susan. Duane sits down and talks with Belial and gets laughed at. Well okay, some brother you are Belial. Although I must question Duane's newfound "love" for Susan. They literally just met. Turns out the first chance Duane finds love, he wants to sleep with the girl (just like the original film). Even after Belial finds love, he continues to kill people (just like the original film). These characters do not develop what so ever. It's actually more accurate to say the execution feels fairly similar to that of what happened in the first film. Duane and Belial although brothers, don't exactly have brotherly love to show for each other. A very poor standing love/hate relationship.
Another thing that needs to be questioned again is how does Belial have a reproductive system? The first film (even this one through flashback) stated Belial was only connected by tissue and shared no vital organs, so what is Duane's brother running on? The logic makes no sense. Another element that doesn't make sense, yet was creative were the other freakishly deformed residence of Granny Ruth's house. What didn't make sense were some of the deformities like having as one character is credited as "Man with 27 Noses", "Frog Boy" or "Toothy". Many of the designs are truly beyond plausible but the fact that a concept artist had to conjure up such distortions is worth noting. Plus, the practical effects used for the costumes and gory violence are used nicely. And although the design of Belial has changed, he at least has better movement from before and doesn't howl at ear blistering decibels like the original movie.
Robert M. Baldwin instead of Bruce Torbet handled the cinematography for this entry. Surprisingly, Baldwin keeps the same visual style of Torbet and cranks it up a couple notches from less gritty indie film to a more professionally made film. Plus, there are some moments where the lighting and angles the cameras move at gives a much more trippier feel to it because it is so bizarre of a story. And because the effects look better, it doesn't seem as obvious that Belial was originally a puppet and now more like a live creature. The music was of no improvement though. Instead of Gus Russo, Joe Renzetti (known for his music from Child's Play (1988) composed the music. And just like Child's Play (1988), Renzetti's music does have creepy sounding tunes but they are very short-lived and more atmospheric than anything else, leaving little to the imagination. It's really nothing to be impressed about because it's so difficult to remember how to hum the tune.
It has better looking effects, violence and cinematography and its screenplay had moments of opportunity. Regrettably the opportunities weren't seized, which led to frustrating direction, bad continuity and confusing motivational choices. Surprisingly it's better than the first,....but not by much.
cant compare to the first one - but its very enjoyable anyway
KGB-Greece-Patras15 August 2002
Crazy & freeky sequel to the Basket case (82). By far inferior to the first part, basket case 2 looses control, as the balance of the film between being serious and (intentionally, i believe) rediculous is very fragile. Whatever the case, the entertainment value is very high - maybe thats due to that specific unbalanced element.
Basket case 3, on the other hand is really funnier, really gory in some scenes and delivers a fine result which pays tribute to the original's fame.
Basket case 3, on the other hand is really funnier, really gory in some scenes and delivers a fine result which pays tribute to the original's fame.
A small, grotesque monstrosity, and I'm not talking about the movie.
mark.waltz8 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The silly but grossly graphic world of the Siamese blob with teeth removed from the side of its hero (Kevin Van Hentenryck) has returned with the wacky grandmother of Van Hentenryck and van blob (Annie Ross) coming on to be the protectress of even more gross looking monstrosities, some that even can sing opera, and it's still amusing if rather forced. The film starts off where the previous one ended 8 years before, and once both Van Hentenryck and his former appendage/twin are broken out of the hospital, granny Ross begins to have a field day as she meets up with the proprietor of a side show who has even more of these critters, infuriating her because of how he exploits them. All it takes is a pop goes the weasel out of the infamous basket, and the side show operator is a piece of toast. That leads granny as the real monster manipulating the main monster while a reporter on her trail uncovers the truth.
I don't feel that a sequel to "Basket Case" was really necessary as there was an originality to the first film that made it special, and this seems to be just exploiting what it is fighting against being exploited. I found it twice as silly and therefore seemingly deliberately dumb, with Ross and Heather Rattray, two professional actors, added to the cast to give it what little name value it had. That takes away the charm of the amateur aspect of the original, and at times, the lack of originality or the overabundance of bizarness just makes it eye rolling even if the viewer is laughing while shaking their head at the preposterousness. And knowing that there would be more in this series, I had to just decide that this would be enough for me, just as I did with all those other horror films of the late seventies and early '80s that had countless sequels.
I don't feel that a sequel to "Basket Case" was really necessary as there was an originality to the first film that made it special, and this seems to be just exploiting what it is fighting against being exploited. I found it twice as silly and therefore seemingly deliberately dumb, with Ross and Heather Rattray, two professional actors, added to the cast to give it what little name value it had. That takes away the charm of the amateur aspect of the original, and at times, the lack of originality or the overabundance of bizarness just makes it eye rolling even if the viewer is laughing while shaking their head at the preposterousness. And knowing that there would be more in this series, I had to just decide that this would be enough for me, just as I did with all those other horror films of the late seventies and early '80s that had countless sequels.
Second coming for Belial!
PsychoAndy758 November 2006
If you have seen the first movie you'll probably be wondering how can another Basket Case movie be a continuation of the first! Well, it's easy enough, but I don't want to ruin your "surprise"!! Anyway it begins just from where the first end. Soon, just a matter of few minutes, you are introduced in a new character that will also link this one to its sequel: that's Granny Ruth, one of the most entertaining in the whole series! This little, mid-aged lady together with an girl help Duane and Belial to escape and shelter from the police, chasing them for the first movie's massacre! Soon you discover that they're not alone in Ruth's house: not only the girl helping Granny Ruth is there, but an entire freaks community! Seems like Duane and Belial found a family, but soon troubles arrive as a journalist discover the Bradley twins shelter! It's time for massacre again!
To be honest I found this one really entertaining, much more then the first one that was more like an"original" slasher movie! This time Gabe Bartalos give "tru life" to Belial, using an animatronic model instead of a still one animated in stop motion! It really looks great! Also the other freaks look really good, and there are really a lot! A social critic find place in this movie too: as Henenlotter did in all his movies, any "strange thing" you see here sounds like a metaphor of true life. So the freaks community been chased just for their "differences" from the mass seems to be a more intense and "intellectual" reading key for this movie, much more than you could have been thinking.
Crazy and really good special effects, technically much better than the average low budget movie, funny plot: it's got much more than you could expect from a movie of this kind!
I can't say if I prefer this one ore the next one, but sure this two are very different from the first Basket Case: here you will find true comedy painted in a gory way, but no suspense or thrills!
To be honest I found this one really entertaining, much more then the first one that was more like an"original" slasher movie! This time Gabe Bartalos give "tru life" to Belial, using an animatronic model instead of a still one animated in stop motion! It really looks great! Also the other freaks look really good, and there are really a lot! A social critic find place in this movie too: as Henenlotter did in all his movies, any "strange thing" you see here sounds like a metaphor of true life. So the freaks community been chased just for their "differences" from the mass seems to be a more intense and "intellectual" reading key for this movie, much more than you could have been thinking.
Crazy and really good special effects, technically much better than the average low budget movie, funny plot: it's got much more than you could expect from a movie of this kind!
I can't say if I prefer this one ore the next one, but sure this two are very different from the first Basket Case: here you will find true comedy painted in a gory way, but no suspense or thrills!
Disappointing sequel and a let-down for fans of the original
Leofwine_draca10 October 2013
Kudos to Frank Henenlotter for reviving his franchise some eight years after the successful cult hit of the original film, but it's a shame he didn't have better material to work with. BASKET CASE 2 points towards being a successful sequel, featuring as it does a storyline that goes elsewhere instead of copying the first, but sadly come the ending you realise virtually nothing has happened of interest throughout.
The problem with the movie isn't the ingredients, which are more than adequate, but the narrative. Henenlotter introduces a cast of outlandish freaks who are as memorable as a modern-day sideshow, but the trouble is he has no idea what to do with them. They hang around in an attic for much of the production, while the viewer struggles to come to terms with lead Kevin Van Hentenryck's obvious ageing (this movie is set directly in time after the first, although eight years passed between films).
In an attempt to make the narrative interesting some villains are shoehorned into the plot in the form of some unscrupulous reporters, but they're far from intriguing. The latter half of BASKET CASE 2 is particularly stultifying, lifted only by a clever and unexpected twist ending. Hopefully, BASKET CASE 3: THE PROGENY will close Henenlotter's trilogy on a more impressive note.
The problem with the movie isn't the ingredients, which are more than adequate, but the narrative. Henenlotter introduces a cast of outlandish freaks who are as memorable as a modern-day sideshow, but the trouble is he has no idea what to do with them. They hang around in an attic for much of the production, while the viewer struggles to come to terms with lead Kevin Van Hentenryck's obvious ageing (this movie is set directly in time after the first, although eight years passed between films).
In an attempt to make the narrative interesting some villains are shoehorned into the plot in the form of some unscrupulous reporters, but they're far from intriguing. The latter half of BASKET CASE 2 is particularly stultifying, lifted only by a clever and unexpected twist ending. Hopefully, BASKET CASE 3: THE PROGENY will close Henenlotter's trilogy on a more impressive note.
We are the Freaks Not Them
Sylviastel21 October 2022
I am a huge fan of the late Annie Ross. She played Granny Ruth in the sequel and third film. The story picks up where it left off. The twins are brought to Granny Ruth's palatial Staten Island home with her granddaughter, Susan (Heather Rattray), who seems normal physically. The home is filled with deformed humans or freaks. They're quite an array of genetic abnormalities and physical features. Duane and Belial have found a home where they are accepted and well cared for. Annie Ross is terrific as Granny Ruth where I wished she acted more. Heather Rattray Is very good as Susan. The special effects are somewhat outdated compared to today. It's entertaining though. Granny Ruth Is someone who cares about the so called freaks too. Annie Ross gave a terrific performance here.
Lacks the necessary sleaze of the first film
udar5527 November 2007
I remember being disappointed with this when I first viewed it and revisiting it nearly 20 years later brings about the same feeling. The film picks up right where the first one left of with Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck) being attacked by his mutant brother and falling out the window of his Times Square flophouse. Naturally, this is big news and Granny Ruth (Annie Ross), a friend of Duane's aunt, goes to rescue him from the hospital. She brings the duo back to her mansion where she houses a variety of freaks.
Frank Henenlotter's follow-up is obviously a bigger affair with a nice budget from James Glickenhaus, but this sequel fails to pack the sleazy punch of the first film. Part of the problem for me is the other freaks. They are just too corny and, I can't believe I am saying this, unrealistic. I can accept a mutated mass of flesh like Belial. But a guy with 27 noses or a huge mouth that sings opera? Too much. I do applaud Henenlotter for bringing Van Hentenryck back and Ross is good as Ruth. My favorite character though is freakshow owner Lyle Barker (Jan Saint). He is the only one who carries over that air of realistic sleaze from the first film. "Trash, low life, scum!"
Frank Henenlotter's follow-up is obviously a bigger affair with a nice budget from James Glickenhaus, but this sequel fails to pack the sleazy punch of the first film. Part of the problem for me is the other freaks. They are just too corny and, I can't believe I am saying this, unrealistic. I can accept a mutated mass of flesh like Belial. But a guy with 27 noses or a huge mouth that sings opera? Too much. I do applaud Henenlotter for bringing Van Hentenryck back and Ross is good as Ruth. My favorite character though is freakshow owner Lyle Barker (Jan Saint). He is the only one who carries over that air of realistic sleaze from the first film. "Trash, low life, scum!"
Good, but very different to the original
bowmanblue29 January 2015
Basket Case 2 takes place right after the original. And, if you've seen the original, you may be in for a surprise. The first instalment was pretty dark - about a young man who carries his psychotic miniature deformed brother around in a basket. However, number two immediately changes the genre slightly into more of a wacky comedy (yes, with a few murders in, but mainly it's played for laughs).
A lot of people who saw the first film see it as a cult classic (yes, it's cheesy, but still pretty enjoyable nonetheless), so when number two shifted gear it took a lot of stick. Not only does the overall atmosphere change, but the central two characters - one being the 'basket case' himself - are slightly pushed out of the forefront of the story - another reason Basket Case purists see the sequels as a step in the wrong direction.
However, if you look at number two on its own, it's reasonably enjoyable (in a silly kind of dumb way). Number three follows on from number two straight away, but keeps the same comedy feel with horror as a secondary part to it.
I quite enjoyed all three of them. However, the general consensus is that you should stick to the first one if you like horror films. The next two are pretty wacky. You have to be in the mood for such silliness, or a complete basket case (which I obviously am).
A lot of people who saw the first film see it as a cult classic (yes, it's cheesy, but still pretty enjoyable nonetheless), so when number two shifted gear it took a lot of stick. Not only does the overall atmosphere change, but the central two characters - one being the 'basket case' himself - are slightly pushed out of the forefront of the story - another reason Basket Case purists see the sequels as a step in the wrong direction.
However, if you look at number two on its own, it's reasonably enjoyable (in a silly kind of dumb way). Number three follows on from number two straight away, but keeps the same comedy feel with horror as a secondary part to it.
I quite enjoyed all three of them. However, the general consensus is that you should stick to the first one if you like horror films. The next two are pretty wacky. You have to be in the mood for such silliness, or a complete basket case (which I obviously am).
Enjoyable campy fun; more comedic than its predecessor
stroggos3 October 2017
BASKET CASE 2 picks up right where the plot of the first movie left off. This time around, Duane and his deformed brother find shelter with "Granny Ruth", a woman who has dedicated her life to take care of those "freaks" that otherwise find no place in society.
Just as with its predecessor, the movie focuses on the theme of social rejection and "trying to fit in". The sequel is more comedic, more actively making fun of itself. There's some better make-up effects but also, just as was the case before, some really tacky ones as well. Overall, this movie has some light-hearted fun to offer while at the same time succeeding in asking some deep questions about the nature of our society.
What I found most enjoyable was Annie Ross's performance as Granny Ruth, which was hilariously over-the-top. She's quite a character in the movie and certainly carries it at times. Comparatively speaking, Duane and his brother play less of an important role this time, as the story branches out to include more characters and more "freaks".
Go and watch it if you liked the first installment of the series.
Just as with its predecessor, the movie focuses on the theme of social rejection and "trying to fit in". The sequel is more comedic, more actively making fun of itself. There's some better make-up effects but also, just as was the case before, some really tacky ones as well. Overall, this movie has some light-hearted fun to offer while at the same time succeeding in asking some deep questions about the nature of our society.
What I found most enjoyable was Annie Ross's performance as Granny Ruth, which was hilariously over-the-top. She's quite a character in the movie and certainly carries it at times. Comparatively speaking, Duane and his brother play less of an important role this time, as the story branches out to include more characters and more "freaks".
Go and watch it if you liked the first installment of the series.
"This Time He's Not Alone!"
alanmora21 October 2007
As far as sequels are concerned, this tongue-in-cheek horror/comedy from the original film's director Frank Henenlotter is pretty good. The film picks up right where the original leaves off, has a few characters from the original returning, and just like "Halloween 2" it resumes inside the hospital right after the events of the original film take place. The only problem is that, since so many years have passed since the original, the actors have obviously aged quite a bit so the idea that this is the actually occurring the very same night is a bit over the top but since the film is a comedy it really does not matter. Duane Bradley and his brother Belail are 'rescued' during an attempt to escape from the hospital by Granny Ruth and her grand daughter Susan. They then take refuge in Granny Ruth's house of 'freaks'. This is when things really begin to get strange. The make-up effects are really good and there is just the right amount of humor and horror combined in the design of the 'freaks' that it makes for a highly entertaining flick. Each resident takes on their own personality and even though they later turn murderous the viewer finds themselves not only sympathizing with Duane, his brother and the rest of the freaks, but you will actually find yourself rooting them on as they seek revenge against several reporters from a sleazy tabloid who threaten to expose the Bradleys as well as a sleazy old man who runs a 'freak show' and falsely claims to have captured Belail. The make-up effects and the murder sequences are quite bizarre but highly amusing. All in all this is an above average sequel that just seems to get stranger and stranger as it progresses but will have you both terrified and laughing uproariously.
Really Good Sequel
atinder13 September 2009
I really like the first Basket Case back in (1982), as it was very Gory also really funny, a lot of Fun
now they are back again, this movie start of by showing, what happened at the end of The Basket Case, Soon start from the ending of the first movie
The twins are now main headline on the news , Granny Ruth and her Grandaugter are watching the news and know who these two are, as they rush to the hospital, Duane and Belial break out of the hospital after he killed one of the doctors.
Then Ruth hide them away from outside world, with her family, then they find out that, Beiial is not one of a kinda as there are others like him in her house, that she takes care of.
Duane now feel like a normal person, wants to be a normal person and wants to leave but he ends up getting seen by the Reporter, now he has to stay, as he put the rest of the Freaks in danger, of being found out.
This movie is not as Great, as the cult classic Basket Case (1982). Is still a great movie.
There are very funny scenes, gore was good, not as gory as the first, they make up effect for the Freaks, were GREAT, or outstanding and I really like the way the movie ended, as it perfect ending.
I liked this movie, as it was really good and the acting was great too I going to give this movie 7/10
now they are back again, this movie start of by showing, what happened at the end of The Basket Case, Soon start from the ending of the first movie
The twins are now main headline on the news , Granny Ruth and her Grandaugter are watching the news and know who these two are, as they rush to the hospital, Duane and Belial break out of the hospital after he killed one of the doctors.
Then Ruth hide them away from outside world, with her family, then they find out that, Beiial is not one of a kinda as there are others like him in her house, that she takes care of.
Duane now feel like a normal person, wants to be a normal person and wants to leave but he ends up getting seen by the Reporter, now he has to stay, as he put the rest of the Freaks in danger, of being found out.
This movie is not as Great, as the cult classic Basket Case (1982). Is still a great movie.
There are very funny scenes, gore was good, not as gory as the first, they make up effect for the Freaks, were GREAT, or outstanding and I really like the way the movie ended, as it perfect ending.
I liked this movie, as it was really good and the acting was great too I going to give this movie 7/10
Well, at least Duane and Belial are back together...
paul_haakonsen19 November 2016
This movie was a direct sequel and continuation of the 1982 "Basket Case" movie. However, I can't claim to be much of a fan of the first movie, but I had the chance to get to sit down and watch all three movies, so I did.
"Basket Case 2" was a step in the wrong direction for the series. Why? Well, because it went from being semi-adequate in the first movie with it being just Duane and Belial, to featuring an entire freakish array of creatures in this sequel. So why is that a bad thing? Well, simply because the creature designs were just too much, didn't even pass as being believable in any sense what so ever. It just has to be seen to give it any justice, because those designs are hard to describe.
Storywise then "Basket Case 2" was adequate, although I can't really say that I overly enjoyed the collection of freaks much, it just added a very silly comedy element to the movie. The story is about Duane and Belial coming to seek refuse with Granny Ruth, after having escape hospitalization, where they join with a group of freakishly deformed creatures. But news of their whereabouts and the possibility of exposing the freaks safe haven is looming around the corner.
Kevin Van Hentenryck is back in the role as Duane, and does what he does, like it or not.
I found "Basket Case 2" to be treading a slippery slope and it just took a turn for the worse and went in the wrong direction. I managed to stick with it to the end just because I wanted to see how it ended.
"Basket Case 2" scores a less than mediocre four out of ten stars from me.
"Basket Case 2" was a step in the wrong direction for the series. Why? Well, because it went from being semi-adequate in the first movie with it being just Duane and Belial, to featuring an entire freakish array of creatures in this sequel. So why is that a bad thing? Well, simply because the creature designs were just too much, didn't even pass as being believable in any sense what so ever. It just has to be seen to give it any justice, because those designs are hard to describe.
Storywise then "Basket Case 2" was adequate, although I can't really say that I overly enjoyed the collection of freaks much, it just added a very silly comedy element to the movie. The story is about Duane and Belial coming to seek refuse with Granny Ruth, after having escape hospitalization, where they join with a group of freakishly deformed creatures. But news of their whereabouts and the possibility of exposing the freaks safe haven is looming around the corner.
Kevin Van Hentenryck is back in the role as Duane, and does what he does, like it or not.
I found "Basket Case 2" to be treading a slippery slope and it just took a turn for the worse and went in the wrong direction. I managed to stick with it to the end just because I wanted to see how it ended.
"Basket Case 2" scores a less than mediocre four out of ten stars from me.
Entertaining freakfest
michaeldaly9925 June 2002
This first sequel to the original "Basket Case" sees the return of Duane (Kevin VanHentenryck, who is in all of the Basket Case movies), and this flick introduces Annie Ross as Granny Ruth, who gives a memorable performance, and returns for "Basket Case 3: The Progeny". This second entry in the series is not as gory as the first at all, but it has better acting, more freaks, and a cheesy attempt at a love story between Duane and Susan (Heather Rattray). The freaks can get annoying at times, and at one scene, I quote my friend who said, "Now it's just a bunch of freaks running around". I recommend this only if you have seen the first "Basket Case", and it's not as entertaining as either BC1 or BC3, but still I'm glad to have it in my collection. Also, it has the sex scene nobody wanted.....Be warned! 7/10
Rated 18s for horror violence and some gore, language, sex?!, and brief mild nudity
Rated 18s for horror violence and some gore, language, sex?!, and brief mild nudity
Belial returns with a bigger budget!
SlashedProductions8 March 2023
Belial returns with a bigger budget! However, most of the budget goes to the creatures, and not to the gore. Basket Case 2 is sadly missing much of the carnage of the first film.
This movie is missing everything I loved about the first one. The whole grungy grind house feel is gone, and we get a wonky comedy with not much horror until the end. The movie didn't even focus on the interesting relationship of Belial and Duane. They were an afterthought.
I can't say I hated the film, but it was just too off tone from the first one. I can see why people enjoy this film, I just can't help but miss the things that made the first great. Props to a very satisfying climax though.
This movie is missing everything I loved about the first one. The whole grungy grind house feel is gone, and we get a wonky comedy with not much horror until the end. The movie didn't even focus on the interesting relationship of Belial and Duane. They were an afterthought.
I can't say I hated the film, but it was just too off tone from the first one. I can see why people enjoy this film, I just can't help but miss the things that made the first great. Props to a very satisfying climax though.
SEX SCENE IS BRILLIANT - PENULTIMATE PARODY OF CRUDE DEBAUCHED SEX !
alleywayambush12 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've never seen the 1st Basket Case, but saw this last night for 1st time.
So for the most part it's your typical 80's/early-90's American Horror B-Film. Trashy, goofy, silly, naive an generally (intentionally) unconvincing, it compares to Street Trash, Toxic Avenger and my favourite, Frankenhooker.
Basically a bunch of deformed freaks - deformed to ridiculous cartoon proportions, live together in a care home, protected from the outside world until a journalist and photographer get word of the place and exploit it, subsequently getting themselves killed or mutilated !
The one part I thought was just brilliant was when the 2 most extreme freaks - a pair of tumour-laden heads with legs/arms attached to the sides, have sex (of all activities; God only knows what with !). Although basically the silliest part of the film, it indirectly parodies and encapsulates society's debauched manipulation of genuine love-making; crude, technical, loveless, emotionally obsolete and generally degenerate. Kinda confirms the falseness of pornography better than porn does !
So I'll have to give it 7/10 for being an otherwise generic goofy B-Horror Film with that brilliant sex scene !
So for the most part it's your typical 80's/early-90's American Horror B-Film. Trashy, goofy, silly, naive an generally (intentionally) unconvincing, it compares to Street Trash, Toxic Avenger and my favourite, Frankenhooker.
Basically a bunch of deformed freaks - deformed to ridiculous cartoon proportions, live together in a care home, protected from the outside world until a journalist and photographer get word of the place and exploit it, subsequently getting themselves killed or mutilated !
The one part I thought was just brilliant was when the 2 most extreme freaks - a pair of tumour-laden heads with legs/arms attached to the sides, have sex (of all activities; God only knows what with !). Although basically the silliest part of the film, it indirectly parodies and encapsulates society's debauched manipulation of genuine love-making; crude, technical, loveless, emotionally obsolete and generally degenerate. Kinda confirms the falseness of pornography better than porn does !
So I'll have to give it 7/10 for being an otherwise generic goofy B-Horror Film with that brilliant sex scene !
B-movie blasphemy
Tromafreak23 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
First, let me point out that I don't hate this movie. It's not bad. No, really. I mean, for what it is, Basket Case 2 ain't bad. That said, I really, really wish that this movie didn't exist. That pretty much sums up how I feel about the first sequel to Basket Case. I just can't understand how anyone who claims to be a huge fan of the original, could approve of this. And that's what I am; a HUGE fan of Basket Case. I saw that movie, as a kid, on USA Saturday Nightmares. An experience that would trigger an obsession for (almost) all that is B-cinema. I've already reviewed the original; now, I guess I should say something about this unfortunate, unnecessary sequel. This won't be easy...
Alright, so, Henenlotter is playing the "freaks" card for everything it's worth . Whatever. Somehow, Duane and Belial has survived. A friend of their dead aunt, Granny Ruth, rescue the bickering brothers from the hospital, and takes them back to her place, a sanctuary for... you guessed it, freaks!! Whatever. Like I said before, not a bad movie, at all. Just nowhere near good enough to be associated with greatness. Anyway, back to Duane and Belial. So, anyway, the brothers are stuck in a house with over a dozen irritating freaks. Seriously, these guys are a whole lot more messed up than Belial. Hell, even more than Duane. Duane wants to ditch these guys, and take Ruth's granddaughter with him, and Belial is cool with hanging out there, especially since he, too has found someone. When a tabloid reporter tries to expose the freak house, Duane, being the swell guy that he is, sticks around to help his new friends defend their turf. Whatever.
What I really hate about Basket Case 2 is that it's like a real movie. It's completely devoid of that grainy, sleazy, inept charm that the original just kinda ended up with. A quality that was pretty much non-existent by 1990. Come to think of it, nowadays would be a more appropriate time for a Basket Case sequel, with all the decent, modern Exploitation to come out of the last decade (Gutterballs). But, once again, if I had my way, there would never be a sequel. Much less, a part 3, where the gang take it down to Georgia, and whatnot. I never said don't buy Basket Case 2. Definitely support Henenlotter, simply because the guy is awesome. But if you just recently saw the original, and you got the Henenlotter fever, the next logical step would be to check out Brain Damage. Now, that you're hooked, now would be a good time to try out the sequel that never was. With hard feelings and resentment aside, I do have one last positive thing to say about Basket Case 2. No spoilers, but just so you know, the ending makes it all worth it... Almost. 7/10
Alright, so, Henenlotter is playing the "freaks" card for everything it's worth . Whatever. Somehow, Duane and Belial has survived. A friend of their dead aunt, Granny Ruth, rescue the bickering brothers from the hospital, and takes them back to her place, a sanctuary for... you guessed it, freaks!! Whatever. Like I said before, not a bad movie, at all. Just nowhere near good enough to be associated with greatness. Anyway, back to Duane and Belial. So, anyway, the brothers are stuck in a house with over a dozen irritating freaks. Seriously, these guys are a whole lot more messed up than Belial. Hell, even more than Duane. Duane wants to ditch these guys, and take Ruth's granddaughter with him, and Belial is cool with hanging out there, especially since he, too has found someone. When a tabloid reporter tries to expose the freak house, Duane, being the swell guy that he is, sticks around to help his new friends defend their turf. Whatever.
What I really hate about Basket Case 2 is that it's like a real movie. It's completely devoid of that grainy, sleazy, inept charm that the original just kinda ended up with. A quality that was pretty much non-existent by 1990. Come to think of it, nowadays would be a more appropriate time for a Basket Case sequel, with all the decent, modern Exploitation to come out of the last decade (Gutterballs). But, once again, if I had my way, there would never be a sequel. Much less, a part 3, where the gang take it down to Georgia, and whatnot. I never said don't buy Basket Case 2. Definitely support Henenlotter, simply because the guy is awesome. But if you just recently saw the original, and you got the Henenlotter fever, the next logical step would be to check out Brain Damage. Now, that you're hooked, now would be a good time to try out the sequel that never was. With hard feelings and resentment aside, I do have one last positive thing to say about Basket Case 2. No spoilers, but just so you know, the ending makes it all worth it... Almost. 7/10
Utter madness
hellholehorror5 October 2017
This film is utter madness. It takes the first film to the ultimate next level. It is just lots of freaks and some pretty grotty moments of hellish violence. It is twisted film making dying to shock you with the sicker side of our body pretending that it is enlightening us. I loved every second without a moment of introspective boredom. Utterly nuts and tacky, but that is why we love it.
This movie makes me sad. (This review may contain a spoiler)
jujkuj231 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
If you loved the first film and thought it was a great movie with the exception of the low budget and occasionally bad acting then you might not like this film very much. I want to start off by saying Belial looks terrible in this movie. Did they think it would be a good idea to change what he looks like completely?! In the last film (despite the low budget effects) Belial looked good in a cheesy way. Switching off of that subject I would like to say that this film did have a higher budget and it was good that Kevin Van Hentenryck returned to play as Duane in this movie and that the budget was a lot higher in this film and the production value is noticeably better. Another thing is the continuity with the previous film is just bad. If you saw the first film first you would see that Belial tried to kill Duane because of jealousy but in this film they just brush it off like nothing happened and they tried to say it was an accident. I also didn't like the story about a house of freaks that was going overboard with the whole freak thing It was nice but these other freaks were just ridiculous. How Can a human be born with a frog head?! Overall this film isn't a good sequel but it isn't that bad.
Way more professional than the first.
Boba_Fett113810 January 2008
The first "Basket Case" movie looked like it was made on a shoe-string budget. It also featured some horrible acting and directing. But director Frank Henenlotter obviously had learned since and gained more experience. The movie is more consistent this time, also in its pace.
There was obviously some more money to spend this time, compared to the first movie. The movie is overall more professional looking and so is the Belial character. There is more movement and detail in the guy. It's professionalism also makes this an overall more effective genre movie.
Luckily the movie obviously also doesn't take itself very serious, which in the end also is this movie its strongest point. It knows it's ridicules and it actually exploits this by putting in more ridicules new looking characters and silly moments and dialog and the actors also seem to be totally aware of this. It's also a reason why this movie is a totally pleasant genre movie to watch. It knows it's a B- and cult-movie and it doesn't resists against it. Not in the least of course due to the later success and cult following the first movie received.
Kevin Van Hentenryck is still as horrible as ever before in his acting but they cleverly resolved this by putting in way more characters this time, so the entire focus of the movie this time isn't just upon Duane and Belial. It also lets Duane act more as a psycho this time, which also allows Van Hentenryck to do his bad overacting and make him get away with it.
The story is of course silly but it also still is a notch up when compared to the first movie. It's at least more layered, also of course due to the fact that there are more characters in it this time. But no, overall you can't really call the movie anything more than just plain silly. Fun but silly.
Supriningly much better than the first movie, due to the fact it was made with more money and people involved and because the movie luckily doesn't take itself serious at all. It makes sure that you as a viewer also just can't take it serious at all and therefor lets you sit back and just enjoy the ride!
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
There was obviously some more money to spend this time, compared to the first movie. The movie is overall more professional looking and so is the Belial character. There is more movement and detail in the guy. It's professionalism also makes this an overall more effective genre movie.
Luckily the movie obviously also doesn't take itself very serious, which in the end also is this movie its strongest point. It knows it's ridicules and it actually exploits this by putting in more ridicules new looking characters and silly moments and dialog and the actors also seem to be totally aware of this. It's also a reason why this movie is a totally pleasant genre movie to watch. It knows it's a B- and cult-movie and it doesn't resists against it. Not in the least of course due to the later success and cult following the first movie received.
Kevin Van Hentenryck is still as horrible as ever before in his acting but they cleverly resolved this by putting in way more characters this time, so the entire focus of the movie this time isn't just upon Duane and Belial. It also lets Duane act more as a psycho this time, which also allows Van Hentenryck to do his bad overacting and make him get away with it.
The story is of course silly but it also still is a notch up when compared to the first movie. It's at least more layered, also of course due to the fact that there are more characters in it this time. But no, overall you can't really call the movie anything more than just plain silly. Fun but silly.
Supriningly much better than the first movie, due to the fact it was made with more money and people involved and because the movie luckily doesn't take itself serious at all. It makes sure that you as a viewer also just can't take it serious at all and therefor lets you sit back and just enjoy the ride!
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
OK b grade horror movie
monkey-man31 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
2nd movie in my Halloween horror movie marathon.
Basket case 2 in my opinion is so much better then the crappy first movie called basket case in a lot of ways and there are to many reasons to mention.I am not saying that this movie is great or even good but this movie is one of those movies that are so bad that they are good.There are no scary scenes in this movie at all but there is a disturbing scene when 2 of the freaks are having sex and there is some dam good gore scenes in this movie with plenty of blood.
Over all this movie is OK and it never really got that boring and if u are a fan of b grade horror movies i highly recommend that u watch this movie.And my rating for this movie is five out of ten.
Basket case 2 in my opinion is so much better then the crappy first movie called basket case in a lot of ways and there are to many reasons to mention.I am not saying that this movie is great or even good but this movie is one of those movies that are so bad that they are good.There are no scary scenes in this movie at all but there is a disturbing scene when 2 of the freaks are having sex and there is some dam good gore scenes in this movie with plenty of blood.
Over all this movie is OK and it never really got that boring and if u are a fan of b grade horror movies i highly recommend that u watch this movie.And my rating for this movie is five out of ten.
cheesetastic
mjharrison2474 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have always loved basket case since I was a kid. It was up there with evil dead and American werewolf. So when it comes to the sequel I was a little dubious. However,I can tell you this is one of the best b movie horrors I have seen in a long time.
Basket case 2 is what evil dead 2 was to evil dead. Only with evil dead 2 they were deliberately trying to be funny whereas with this I'm not so sure. Ash had his chainsaw hand balial ends up with a claw. Its almost as if they were parodying evil dead 2.
With a huge cast of monsters,kind of like comedy cenobites,this would easily rival American horror freak show. And now for the spoiler...there is even monster sex.
If you are a fan of b movie horror you will love this.
Basket case 2 is what evil dead 2 was to evil dead. Only with evil dead 2 they were deliberately trying to be funny whereas with this I'm not so sure. Ash had his chainsaw hand balial ends up with a claw. Its almost as if they were parodying evil dead 2.
With a huge cast of monsters,kind of like comedy cenobites,this would easily rival American horror freak show. And now for the spoiler...there is even monster sex.
If you are a fan of b movie horror you will love this.
Cheesy sequel to the great cult classic.
Captain_Couth27 November 2003
Basket Case 2 (1990) along with Part 3 were made so Henenlotter could get his Frankenhooker project off the ground. Basket Case 2 picks right off where part one ended. With a bigger budget, Henenlotter has access to a larger staff and special effects. Shot back to back with Basket Case 3, part 2 lacks the charm of the original. That said, the sequel has it's moments and they're quiet entertaining. Sadly you can tell the director's heart wasn't in the project. Not bad but I feel that it was an unnecessary sequel. Recommended.
B
B
Awful but technically better
neil-47617 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The lad and his freak twin who fell out of an upper floor window in the first film and were seen at the end lying, bleeding, dead on the ground, apparently didn't die after all. In fact, the freak looks better than he did in the first one.
The reason for that is a substantially larger budget (due to the success of the first movie), enabling a much better quality monster to be created to the same basic design. This larger budget also stretched towards constructing other freaks/freak makeup, and having a Name in the cast list (Scots jazz singer Annie Ross, who played Robert Vaughn's sister in Superman III).
The story is different but not a lot better. The acting is a bit better, and the film is more professionally made, hence I rate it higher than its dreadful predecessor.
The reason for that is a substantially larger budget (due to the success of the first movie), enabling a much better quality monster to be created to the same basic design. This larger budget also stretched towards constructing other freaks/freak makeup, and having a Name in the cast list (Scots jazz singer Annie Ross, who played Robert Vaughn's sister in Superman III).
The story is different but not a lot better. The acting is a bit better, and the film is more professionally made, hence I rate it higher than its dreadful predecessor.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
