Review of Pet Sematary II (1992) by Johnny T — 26 Apr 2011

A needless sequel, but a pretty good one all the same. The plot is a little bit different from the first one, but it still manages to impress, and the gore effects are spectacular. The original is and always will be a great horror film, but I can't help but like this sequel. Mary Lambert, who directed the original "Pet Sematary," has returned for the sequel, which, like its forerunner, is much better at special effects than at creating characters or telling a coherent story. Ms. Lambert made her reputation directing Madonna's music videos, and the new film has the garish theatrical look and pumpingly precise rhythms of an extravagantly produced heavy-metal video. Most of many shock scenes are above average in impact and suspense, with the scenes of the resurrected, red-eyed Zowie going for people's throats especially gruesome. Also notable is a highway crash involving a truckload of potatoes. It's a rare example of a sequel that's done right.

VERDICT: "Matinée" - (Mixed reaction). These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says to pay matinée prices to see at a theatre, buy an ex rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own.