Released in 1985, Ghoulies was a massive success for Empire Pictures, making over $35 million on a $5 million budget. The film was also a hit on home video, so naturally, a sequel was to follow soon after. Charles Band had been tossing around an idea with his father Albert Band about the creatures taking over a circus. Unfortunately, much of the original cast and crew, including writer/director Luca Bercovici, did not return for the sequel. Instead, veteran director Albert Band would be stepping up, having not directed since 1979’s She Came to the Valley. Dennis Paoli (Re-Animator, From Beyond) wrote the screenplay and John Carl Buechler’s effects shop would again design the creatures. While the original was filmed in California, this would be filmed at the Empire Studios in Rome, Italy. So two years later, Empire Pictures released 1987’s Ghoulies II.
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Synopsis
The local carnival funhouse, Satan’s Den, has been running into financial troubles with businessman Philip Hardin (J. Downing) threatening foreclosure. While Larry (Damon Martin) wants to keep it running, his magician turned alcoholic Uncle Ned (Royal Dano) has given up. Meanwhile, the mischievous Ghoulies have hitched a ride on Satan’s Den as it makes its way to the local carnival. Taking up residence in the funhouse, the Ghoulies start attacking, though the carnival-goers think they’re part of the act. Soon, Satan’s Den is making a profit to Hardin’s chagrin, so he starts hitting on Larry’s girlfriend Nicole (Kerry Remsen). Once several of the other carnival workers start disappearing, the guests realize the Ghoulies are real and panic erupts. Alongside fellow carnie Sir Nigel Penneyweight (Phil Fondacaro), it’s up to Larry and Nicole to stop the Ghoulies. Will our heroes succeed, or will the Ghoulies become the next carnival act?
Review
While Ghoulies was enjoyable enough, it was also kinda slow and didn’t have much going for it besides the puppets. Ghoulies II, on the other hand, is much more fun, has better acting, and the puppets look amazing. First off, moving the setting from a generic haunted house to a carnival helps this film stand out. Also, the acting is much improved over the previous film, with some highlights being Martin, Dano, Remsen, and Fondacaro. Dano has some fun moments as an old drunk, and Fondacaro once again shows underrated of an actor he is. Downing is pretty fun as the stock corporate tightwad that you love to hate, and his death scene is satisfying. Plus, for a film that had a lower budget than the original, the puppets honestly look way better. They’re much more detailed, have better articulation, and each has a more unique design.
Alongside the puppet and creature effects from John Carl Buechler and crew, there’s some great stop-motion from David Allen. The production design from Empire and Full Moon regular Giovanni Natalucci is fantastic, creating an authentic living and breathing carnival. The cherry on top of the sundae is the inclusion of “Scream Until You Like It” from W.A.S.P. Not only is it an awesome song, but it was written specifically for the film and W.A.S.P. enjoyed the experience. As much fun as the film is, my only gripe is that the love triangle subplot is uninteresting and dull. Also, while there are some gruesome moments to be had, much of the violence seems like it was cut out. Even with those gripes aside, this is still an enjoyable monster movie and a step up from the previous installment. Overall, Ghoulies II is a fun B-movie best enjoyed with friends and alcohol.
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