Puppet Master 2

Puppet Master 2 is a 1990 sequel to Puppet Master. It was directed by David Allen and stars Elixabeth Maclellan, Collin Bernsen and Steve Welles.

We open in a cemetery where the killer puppets from the first film dig their creator Andre Toulon (this time played by Steve Welles) up. They open his coffin up and bring him back to life using the green serum he invented. Megan Gallagher from the first film is now dead, her brains were sucked out apparently. The Bodega Bay hotel is now abandoned and owned by the government. They send a team from the office of paranormal claims to investigate Paul Whittaker's (who is now in an asylum for the insane) crazy stories and claims. Carolyn Bramwell (Elizabeth Maclellan), her brother Patrick (Gregory Webb), Wanda (Charlie Spradling) and Lance (Jeff Weston). A psychic also joins the team, Camille (Nita Talbot). Soon after arriving Camille disappears suddenly and Patrick is killed by one of the puppets, Tunneler. For some reason they don't call the police they call Camille's son Micheal (Collin Bernsen). And no, I couldn't figure out why. Anyway, while discussing the puppet that killed Patrick, a strange man enters the room. It's Toulon. He is dressed in all black, a long cape over his shoulder and back, a black fedora, and blacked out goggles, his head is completely bandaged up very much like the invisible man. No part of his body is visible under his clothing. He claims his name is Eriquee Chanee and that he owns the hotel. It seems that the puppets are running out of the serum that give them strength and life. They have brought Toulon back to life so he can create more serum for them. He creates a new puppet too, called Torch. He needs fresh human brain matter to make the serum, local farmers and the paranormal investigators provide the necessary ingredients. However, Toulon is convinced that Carolyn is the reincarnation of his murdered wife Elsa, and betrays his puppets so he and Carolyn/Elsa can live forever in freaky full sized human puppets. Pin Head, Blade (as cool as ever), Torch and Jester aren't impressed and decide to extract a gruesome revenge.

This time directed by Dave Allen I thought this was another great horror movie, with above average production values. Again the puppets are great and I felt sort of sorry for the ones that were killed, much more sorry than any of the human characters in the film. The puppet effects are again, as in the first quite impressive considering the budget and reputation of the makers. I've sat through a lot worse, that's for sure. Special make up effects are also good, with Toulon taking his bandages off at the end to reveal a rotting zombie, who ends up slashing his own throat in the films nastiest scene. The makers also had the good sense to include the required nudity and sex.

The entertaining script by David Pabian again tries to create atmosphere, and an actual story around the puppets. This time he tries to give a little more of Toulon's background, and how he came to know how to create the serum. It succeeds up to a point, I really like the imagery of the bandaged Toulon sneaking around, and freaking everyone out. His loving speech's to his killer puppets are nice, and they create some sympathy for both Toulon and the puppets. For most of the film it seems they just want to live in the hotel together and be left alone, until Toulon goes nuts over Carolyn anyway. The images of those two freaky human-ish puppets at the end is also striking. Speaking about the end I really liked it, quite cool. Music appears to be basically the same from the first, but that was good enough so it's not a problem. The acting is OK at best, poor at worst. Another unexpectedly good horror, and fine film in general. Certainly worth watching if your a horror fan.

6.5/10

5.4/10 IDB