I'm not sure some movies really need sequels and Poltergiest is one of them. There's nothing else to do but repeat themselves and that's what Poltergiest II does, but it's not a total loss as there are some memorable moments thrown in.
The Freelings have relocated to the home of Diane's elderly mother after their house vanished into thin air at the end of the first film. It's not long before the ghosts find them and want Carol Ann to lead them into the light. This time, they're led by a charismatic preacher named Kane who can manifest himself to people in broad daylight. Zelda Rubenstein returns as Tangina and brings along Will Sampson as a kindly Native American who tries to help the family rid themselves of these unclean spirits.
Everything is a little bit goofier in Poltergeist II. Instead of being attacked by a creepy clown doll, Robbie is attacked by his braces which come to life and hoist him up to the ceiling. Chainsaws fly around, grandmother spirits appear to save the day, and Stephen pukes up a tequila worm that's twice the size of his body. The cast remain as game as ever and, if it weren't for them, none of this would hold together.
The few frightening moments of the film are supplied by Julian Beck's astounding performance as Kane. He makes the most of his limited screentime and radiates a sense of danger and menace that will have you leaving your lights on at night.
The Freelings have relocated to the home of Diane's elderly mother after their house vanished into thin air at the end of the first film. It's not long before the ghosts find them and want Carol Ann to lead them into the light. This time, they're led by a charismatic preacher named Kane who can manifest himself to people in broad daylight. Zelda Rubenstein returns as Tangina and brings along Will Sampson as a kindly Native American who tries to help the family rid themselves of these unclean spirits.
Everything is a little bit goofier in Poltergeist II. Instead of being attacked by a creepy clown doll, Robbie is attacked by his braces which come to life and hoist him up to the ceiling. Chainsaws fly around, grandmother spirits appear to save the day, and Stephen pukes up a tequila worm that's twice the size of his body. The cast remain as game as ever and, if it weren't for them, none of this would hold together.
The few frightening moments of the film are supplied by Julian Beck's astounding performance as Kane. He makes the most of his limited screentime and radiates a sense of danger and menace that will have you leaving your lights on at night.