Review of Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) by Harry W — 03 May 2013

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is well acted and eerie enough to pass as a decent horror film with great visual effects, but it's poorly constructed and paced irregularly, and it's plot isn't creative and is just a rehash of it's largely successful predecessor and it attempts to give an alternate explanation it's predecessor which has already been clarified.

The story lacks the surprise of the original and since the plot is just a rehash of it's eerie predecessor, it lacks the imagination and originality that made Poltergeist such a hit. Of course, in an attempt to capitalise on it's success it copies the plot and much of the unexpected horrific themes and they still play second fiddle to the unexpected ones from its predecessor, as does Carol Anne Freeling's line "They're Back" which lacked the unexpected fearful charm of the famous "They're Here" from the predecessor.

The only minor freaky moments were when Reverend Henry Kane emerges from Steven Freeling's stomach as the digested product of his stomach after developing from a mescal worm into a creepy ass monster, as well as when out of nowhere Robbie Freeling's braces begin to unravel and strangle him. Even these moments are rehashes of the original, but they were ok. But the little things leave a substantial amount to be desired after seeing Poltergeist II: The Other Side.

But there was some true fear that came from the freaky and evil look in Julian Beck's eyes and smile which are somewhat reminiscent of the performance given by SirAnthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs, as well as his fixation on a somewhat weak female figure. All the evil that the story creates is absorbed straight into the cold death-stare of Julian Beck, so at least in Poltergeist II: The Other Side there is a single main antagonist for the story to focus on, even though this causes it to deviate from the unexpectedness of the horror in its predecessor. Then again, it's important to be different and not try to directly copy something.

Also, the presence of Will Sampson was a thing I really liked because his skill at capturing the role of Chief Bromden in the 1975 classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest is the finest Native American performance I have ever witnessed on the cinematic screen, seeing him playing a character that his roots would define him as was good, especially because of his passion for the part and the charming smile if his which reminded me of "That old Luke smile" from the 1967 masterpiece Cool Hand Luke, and just seeing him in another prominent role is great. I really enjoyed Will Sampson's performance.

And although performances by returning cast members such as Craig T. Nelson and Zelda Rubenstein were unimpressive, young Heather O'Rourke was as fine as ever and delivered her lines with the same confidence and childish charm as in the predecessor, and so her juvenile character is portrayed just right for the role.

So all in all, Poltergeist II: The Other Side lacks the chill and surprise of the original, but some decent performances make sure that its at least half as good as Poltergeist.