Since its release in 1988, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama has become a huge cult favorite. Director David DeCoteau continued working with Charles Band into the Full Moon era, directing almost 30 movies for the studio. Some of the more notable films DeCoteau made included Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge, Beach Babes From Beyond, and Shrieker. After directing Puppet Master: Axis of Evil, Decoteau made the 1313 series and family films like A Talking Cat!?! In 2019, Charles Band announced The Deadly 10, a series of 10 movies linked to the studio’s past. Chief among them was a sequel to the 1988 cult classic with DeCoteau returning to the director’s chair. Unfortunately, plans were put on hold due to the pandemic, but the project resumed in 2022. With Brinke Stevens directing, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 premiered on Full Moon’s streaming service in December 2022.
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Synopsis
At the Pi-Epsilon sorority, sisters Sarah (Jessie Gill) and Tiffany (Katie O’Neill) are desperate to recruit new pledges. Luckily for them, Ginger (Audrey Neal) and Devon (Hannah Tullett) are looking to join alongside the rebellious Bitsy (Glory Rodriguez). Their housemother, Auntie Snake (Kelli Maroney), warns them about the initiation ritual, given what happened in 1988. However, Sarah wants to maintain tradition, so she sends Ginger, Devon, and Bitsy to the ill-fated bowling alley. Along with Bart (Luka Parente), Turkey (Nathan Blair), and Dinger (Justin Lupo), the girls have to steal a trophy. While throwing a little bowling party, Bitsy and Turkey stumble across the trophy, only for Turkey to accidentally break it. This brings out The Imp (Derek Jeremiah Reid), who grants their wishes but with disastrous consequences. It’s happening all over again as this new batch of would-be victims contends with the mischievous imp.
Review
The original Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama isn’t what I’d call a good movie, but it was enjoyably trashy. Sure, the story was nonsensical, the acting was mediocre, and the effects were shoddy, but it had charm. On the other hand, the sequel has none of the low-budget charms that made the original enjoyable to watch. Before going into my criticisms, there are some nice things I can say about this unfortunate sequel. For starters, Kelli Maroney is easily the movie’s high point, giving an entertainingly snarky and cynical performance. Also, while Michael Sonye is missed, Derek Jeremiah Reid does a decent job doing a similar voice as The Imp. He offers the same corny jokes and off-color remarks you’d expect from the character and does it reasonably well. Also, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer have fun cameos as ghosts watching the film play out.
Unfortunately, that’s where any of the positives end because the movie, as a whole, really does not work. For one, it’s more or less a remake of the original, with almost nothing new added aside from different characters. Also, it says a lot when the puppet from the 1988 original looks better than the puppet here. With this, everything feels flat and generic, with no dynamic look, no interesting camerawork, and shoddy CGI. Say what you will about David DeCoteau’s directing, but he at least gave the first film some style. While the cast looks like they’re having fun, none of the characters are likable or stand out. Plus, the fact that this is barely over an hour while the original was 80 minutes exemplifies its disappointing nature. Despite its best intentions, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 is a huge letdown from the first film.
Watch Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 on Full Moon Features: https://bit.ly/3iPCMip.
