Thursday, November 06, 2008

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II

(1987) ½ star

Having nothing to do with the original Prom Night, the sequel concerns revenge from beyond the grave. The film begins in 1957 where Mary Lou is accidentally set on fire by her date, Bill, who is angry with her because she’s a slut and he catches her screwing around with fellow student, Buddy (have you ever known a person named “Buddy” that you didn’t want to smash?).



Thirty years later Buddy as become a local priest and Bill is somehow principal of Hamilton High (yes, THAT Hamilton High). In Hamilton High’s basement an old chest containing items from Mary Lou’s prom night is opened and Mary Lou’s spirit is released. Oh yeah, and she’s pissed. Vicki becomes the unwitting vessel of Mary Lou’s possession when, in an effort to find a prom outfit, she dons Mary Lou’s old dress (wouldn’t it be all burnt?). Now in possession of Vicki, Mary Lou goes on a killing spree to right old wrongs with Bill and Buddy (?) and to reach her goal of becoming prom queen (?!).



Mary Lou is “Carrie” without our sympathy, which is one of many problems I had with this film. Although she didn’t deserve to die (from a freak accident), Mary Lou was a real bitch. She has only herself to blame for accidentally expiring. Her revenge-killing spree is unfounded and without merit. Nobody appears to be aware of the mounting body count as the film progresses to the inevitable (and ridiculous) Carrie prom climax. I give it a half star because we’re treated to some full-frontal Vicki nudity. Avoid.

2 comments:

Johnny Sweatpants said...

I agree, unfounded revenge/killing sprees are simply unacceptable.

Octopunk said...

Quite right! I could never understand how her date not only avoided any consequences for setting her on fire, but also was given a position of trust as the school's principal.

Maybe someone on the town council said "yeah, Mary Lou was a total bitch! Let's give him the job." Just like those responsible federal agents who squished Steven Segal's career.

Malevolent

 2018  ***1/2 It's 1986 for some reason, and a team of paranormal investigators are making a big name for themselves all over Scotland. ...