Mannequin Two: On the Move

Mannequin Two: On the Move is an early 90s fantasy romance comedy, the sequel to 1987's Mannequin. Directed by Stewart Raffill and starring Kristy Swanson, William Ragsdale, and a reprisal role by Meshach Taylor, this quirky, lighthearted tale is set in the backdrop of window displays and department store shenanigans.

The film, instead of continuing to build on the first movie’s storyline and characters, brings to life a completely brand-new tale, primed with elements of enchantment, romance, comedy, charm, and fantasy. Due to the fresh narrative, it could also be viewed as a standalone film, allowing those who have not seen the first installment to follow along with ease.

Our tale takes us to medieval times where we find the beautiful, peasant girl, Jessie (Kristy Swanson), who becomes enchanted by an evil sorcerer after involuntarily becoming a pawn in a power ploy involving a prospective prince. Rendered immobile, Jessie is turned into a mannequin and passed through time as a prized ornamental relic. Fast forward to the modern-day, Jessie's statue now seen as an ancient artifact, is shipped to a large Philadelphia department store to add a touch of antiquity to their displays.

Enter, Jason Williamson (William Ragsdale), an ambitious young window dresser eager to advance his career in his father’s department store. Jason is portrayed as a kind-hearted, and sometimes naive, individual who harbors dreams of breaking free from the monotony of his mundane role and carving out a distinctive identity for himself. He is particularly fascinated by the newly arrived mannequin.

While working late one night, under the most unusual circumstances, Jason unwittingly unlocks the secret to freeing the mannequin from her enchantment. Jessie is released from her curse, albeit intermittently, once again transforming into her beautiful human form. Jason, flabbergasted but enamored, quickly develops feelings for Jessie, resulting in the blooming of a unique, unusual love story. But things are not that simple as they have to deal with the pesky sorcerer's descendant who also finds his way to the modern world.

The plot weaves an interesting dichotomy of the contemporary world meeting folklore magic from a bygone era, with Jessie grappling with her new environs. Her innocent observations and naïve reaction to the modern world add a dash of comedy to the narrative, while her romantic endeavors with Jason provide the tender, heartwarming angle.

In terms of performances, Kristy Swanson excels as the bewildered but brave Jessie, and William Ragsdale provides a relatable persona in Jason. They share delightful chemistry, supported ably by the talented ensemble cast. Special mention must be made of Meshach Taylor, who returns from the first Mannequin film as Hollywood Montrose, the flamboyant and lively co-worker of Jason. Taylor provides a significant comedic element to the film with his extravagant attire and larger-than-life personality always lighting up the screen.

Director Stewart Raffill manage to craft an inherently silly premise into something entertained that audiences of all ages can enjoy. The screenplay is imbued with witty humor, slapstick comedy, romantic gestures, 90s nostalgia, and an overall sense of joy and whimsical fantasy. Visually, the movie is a treat, with colorful costumes, unique mannequin designs, and window displays that mirror the magic of the plotline. American folk-rock singer, Gene Miller and British pop singer, Cynthia Rhodes lend their vocals to carve a catchy, pop-infused soundtrack that complements the film’s upbeat vibe, including the memorable track "In My Wildest Dreams."

Overall, Mannequin Two: On the Move is a harrowing romance encapsulated within a bubble of comedy and light-hearted fun. It carries a profound message about breaking free from constraints, leaving the crowd, following one's heart, and the transformative power of love. Despite being tagged as a sequel, the movie holds its own and delivers a nostalgic 90s fantastical romantic comedy experience.