Released in 1986, Critters was a modest hit at the box office, making over four times its budget back. Also, the film received favorable reviews, Siskel and Ebert giving it both thumbs up and rating it 3/4 stars. Naturally, with that kind of success, New Line Cinema asked for a sequel, given their penchant for franchises. Unfortunately, the original writer and director, Brian Muir and Stephen Herek did not return to helm the sequel. Instead, up-and-coming writer David Twohy was hired alongside co-writer Mick Garris, who would be making his directorial debut. Garris was chosen due to his work on the Steven Speilberg produced Amazing Stories series and *batteries not included. Much of the original cast and crew returned, including the Chiodo Brothers fresh off of making Killer Klowns from Outer Space. So, two years after the original, we got Critters 2: The Main Course.
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Synopsis
Two years after the last film, Brad Brown (Scott Grimes) has returned to his hometown of Grover’s Bend. Meanwhile, alien bounty hunters Ug (Terrence Mann) and Lee, alongside Charlie (Don Opper), learn the Crites are still on Earth. Once there, Lee takes on a female form (Roxanne Kernohan) and they set out to find and destroy the Crites. Elsewhere, Brad is visiting his grandmother (Herta Ware) when he attracts the attention of young reporter Megan Morgan (Liane Curtis). Turns out Brad is pretty well-known for what happened years ago, and she wants to learn more. Soon enough, the Crites make themselves known, going on a rampage through the town and killing everyone in their path. With some help from former sheriff Harv (Barry Corbin), Brad leads the townsfolk in taking out the carnivorous critters. Can they be stopped, or will Grover’s End be their latest feast?
Review
Whether or not it was made to ride off the coattails of Gremlins, Critters was an enjoyable time. And while Critters 2: The Main Course is also enjoyable, it’s missing much of what worked in the first film. For instance, the first film was a blending of horror and comedy, whereas the sequel feels more comedic than scary. Granted, there are some shockingly gruesome sequences here and there, but there are just as many goofy moments. On the one hand, the emphasis on comedy does make this a more fun film than the previous installment. On the other hand, the weird shift in tone makes this feel like it’s not even in the same universe. That being said, much of the comedy here does work, partially because the actors are playing it straight. Plus, the more comedic moments never get in the way of the more serious scenes.
Like the previous film, the Chiodo Brothers did excellent work in bringing the Crites to life, perhaps more so here. The puppets seem more articulated, more expressive, and they even have different characteristics to make them stand out. Cast-wise, everyone does a great job, with returning actors Grimes, Mann, Opper, and Lin Shaye turning in solid performances. Admittedly, it is distracting not having M. Emmet Walsh back as Harv, but Barry Corbin makes up for this. For a first-time director, Mick Garris does a fine job, giving the film a slick studio picture look. While Muir and Herek are missed here, the work by Garris and Twohy is sufficient enough here. While this lacks the more low-budget feel of the previous film, this still is enjoyable enough to warrant a recommendation. Overall, Critters 2: The Main Course lacks the predecessor’s bite but is still work a look.
Buy The Critters Collection from Shout! Factory: https://bit.ly/3dSwczC
