Creepshow 2

Creepshow 2 is a classic 1987 anthology horror film packed with twisted stories of fear and terror, which have become signature elements in the Creepshow franchise, captivating the audience with its unique blend of horror and dark humor.

Directed by Michael Gornick, the sequel to Stephen King and George A. Romero's 1982 film Creepshow pays homage to the budget EC Comics of the 1950s. Featuring three gripping tales penned by George A. Romero himself, the narrative structure of Creepshow 2 retains the comic book aesthetics of its predecessor, adding a layer of animated sequences bolstering the grainy look of nastily illustrated panels that had been a remarkable trait of the original film.

The movie introduces us to its first tale under the title "Old Chief Wood'nhead." Starring veteran actor George Kennedy and Dorothy Lamour in their final movie roles, this narrative unfolds in a quiet town where a kindly elderly couple operate a struggling general store, replete with an old wooden Cigar Store Indian standing guard outside the shop. The turn of events takes a sinister turn with the intrusion of some local thugs, leading to a chilling series of consequences.

The second tale, "The Raft," sees a group of college friends immersed in an idyllic lake setting. As their usual bantering and roguish fun get underway, the atmosphere gets progressively uncanny. They soon find themselves trapped on a raft in the middle of the lake by a malevolent entity, hurtling the story to an adrenaline-fueled climax.

The final story, "The Hitchhiker," features Lois Chiles in a stellar performance that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. As a wealthy, unfaithful housewife, Chiles returns home late from a rendezvous when she accidentally hits a hitchhiker with her car. Apprehensive of the consequences, she decides to drive away, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit filled with suspense and fright.

Each story, separated by a series of short animated pieces, adds a different distinctive flavor to the overall narrative. The film combines graphic horror with a touch of comic relief, giving it a distinctly devious edge. While not as star-studded as its predecessor, Creepshow 2's ensemble cast does justice to the dreadful characters and situations their roles demand.

The film's score by no less than Les Reed and Rick Wakeman of Yes fame further enhances the eerie atmosphere, its haunting tone perfectly accompanying the morbid enjoyment of the film's wicked vignettes. Gornick's direction, a keen sense of staging, and the animated transitions combine to evoke the gritty feel of a graphic novel brought to life. Moreover, while the movie is not loaded with special effects, the make-up and practical effects work achieve a comic book-like exaggeration that complements the tone of the stories.

Creepshow 2 successfully manages to capture the essence of old-school horror combined with gripping storytelling and riveting performances from the cast. The film has earned its status as an '80s cult classic for horror movie buffs, loved for its campy horror, story diversity, and an engaging pace that continuously surprises its viewers.

The performances of experienced actors George Kennedy, Lois Chiles, and an appealing supporting cast, including Domenick John, keep the audience's attention. Each individual story, while separate in its entity, aligns perfectly with the film's overall dread-filled ambiance, making it a delightfully shocking cinematic experience. The film indulges in the old-school sense of fright, holding onto the '80s horror movie aesthetics, and achieves a delightful synthesis of frightful fun and gore.

John Harrison's scoring gives a lot of depth to the narrative, pushing the audience deeper into the darkness that these stories so beautifully weave. Striking a balance between the terror and a touch of dark humor on a string, Creepshow 2 is a remarkable classic that firmly cements its position in the annals of horror cinema.

Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, Creepshow 2 offers a unique twist on anthology storytelling that's bound to send chills down your spine. So, buckle up for a ride of suspense, scares, and a lot of spine-chilling fun!