Ghoulies II

Ghoulies II is a 1987 horror-comedy sequel to the 1985 cult classic, Ghoulies. Directed by Albert Band and starring Damon Martin, Royal Dano, and Phil Fondacaro, the film is an exploration into the realm of the supernatural and a dark humored romp into the carnival world.

The film follows in the quirky, macabre tradition of its predecessor, boasting a plot that is at once eccentric, eerie, and sardonically humorous. The narrative of Ghoulies II revolves around Larry (played by Damon Martin), an enterprising young man and his possessed Uncle Ned (Royal Dano). Working together in a low-budget traveling carnival, they soon attract the attention of a motley crew of diminutive, devilishly mischievous creatures - the titular Ghoulies.

Rather than keeping the focus on one setting as in the original Ghoulies, the sequel takes advantage of the carnival backdrop to engage in some imaginative hijinks. Be it a Hall of Mirrors, a creepy Haunted House ride, or a fortune teller's tent, Ghoulies II is more expansive in its storytelling and set pieces. The assortment of the carnivalesque landscape provides the perfect platform for the ghastly antics of the ghoulies, without compromising on the atmospheric eeriness that made the original a cult favorite.

Larry, the unexpected hero of the film, is portrayed by Damon Martin with a lovable earnestness that makes for a unique counterpoint to the wild, grotesque elements of the film. Royal Dano gives an delightfully unhinged performance as Ned, stealing many scenes with his enthusiastic portrayal. Their eccentric performances are well-proportioned in the narrative, neither overshadowing nor being overshadowed by the monstrous ghoulies.

Serving as a bridge between the human characters and the ghoulies is Sir Nigel Penneyweight, a mysterious drifter with peculiar knowledge about the Ghoulies, played by Phil Fondacaro. Fondacaro provides much of the film's heart while also delivering a trove of lore about the Ghoulies, enhancing the narrative with depth that goes beyond the surface level visual fun.

The real stars of the film, as expected, are the ghoulies themselves. The creatures remain an embodiment of the film's tone, blending the grotesque and the comical, with moments of genuine fright sprinkled throughout the film. The practical effects team does an outstanding job in giving life to these unearthly antagonists. With imaginative creature design and intricate puppetry, the ghoulies are a throwback to the era before CGI, adding a tangible veracity that enriches the viewing experience.

Ghoulies II is notable for its seamless mixture of humor and horror elements, bolstered by ghastly yet hilarious performances from the ghoulies. The film doesn't hold back in its wacky and indulgent storyline but effectively infuses moments of thrill and horror, ensuring an entertaining watch for both horror and comedy enthusiasts. It retains the spirit of ‘80s horror-comedy, a genre hallmarked by levity amidst chaos, making it an exemplar of its time.

A well-executed sequel that takes the franchise to a new level, Ghoulies II combines the formula of traditional monster movies with the air of zany humor and unexpected warmth. Its ghoulish cast, quirky storytelling, and flamboyant visual effects make it an unforgettable entry in the world of horror-comedy. Ghoulies II invites viewers into a carnival funhouse of horror, promising an uproariously good time that is untraditional, unpredictable, and uncanny. Fans of the original film and newcomers to the franchise alike will find delight in its outrageous humor, inventive horror elements, and nostalgic charm. For anyone with a taste for horror adventures with a pinch of comic relief, Ghoulies II is a film that delivers and exceeds expectations.