I love it when a sequel picks up exactly where the last film left off, this is exactly where Phantasm II begins. A quick recap of the first film leading us right to the final scene and slamming us straight into action. Following the opening scene we learn that Mike has been in a psychiatric facility for years where they have spent all their efforts trying to convince him everything was all in his imagination. He decides to play along so he can be released, once free the first thing he does is contact Reggie. After some persuasion he convinces Reggie into helping him go after the Tall Man.
In this sequel James LeGros replaces A.Michael Baldwin as Mike although flashes to the first film still show us the original Mike. I had a tough time believing that this guy:
Other than the obvious casting switcheroo this sequel falls beautifully in line with the first film. Angus Scrimm is wonderful as the ever-ominous Tall Man. As with the first film it is filled with random unexpected weirdness, one of things I really love about the Phantasm films. There really isn’t much more I can say that hasn’t been said before. Again, if you haven’t delved into this series then you should at some point.
5 comments:
I love this franchise! I was just saying to JSP the other day that they need to make a 5th one before the Tall Man dies. It's a shame to leave us hanging on a cliffhanger all these years. Good review.
Well they fooled me! I had no idea that different actor was cast as Mike.
It's impossible not to notice if you're doing the series in one go, since the original Mike comes back.
I love the opening of this film, when Reggie is listing all the relatives who are going to greet Mike for his welcome home dinner and then through the window you see the house explode -- save $$$ on casting!
Yes, that's the best scene!
I think I saw this one, but only have vague memories. Time to revisit!
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