Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies

Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is a gripping horror fantasy film that first made its debut in 1999. A sequel to the original Wishmaster released two years prior, this film is imbued with suspense, drama, terror, and a dose of dark humor. This film, directed by Jack Sholder and starring Holly Fields, Chris Weber, Al Foster, and Andrew Divoff, captures and extrapolates on the sinister menace of its predecessor, setting up a storyline that continues to charm and unsettle its audience.

At the core of the storyline is an ancient, malevolent being, the Djinn, brilliantly portrayed by Andrew Divoff. This mystical entity is liberated from a sacred gem, inadvertently setting in motion a series of demonic misadventures. The Djinn feeds on the human propensity to wish for things, taking these wishes to horrific extremes by twisting the intentions behind them and causing chaos and destruction.

The Djinn's primary objective is to collect a specific number of souls to begin the apocalypse and, consequently, dominate the world. To achieve this, he has to persuade the person who awakened him — Morgana Truscott, played by Holly Fields, a beautiful but conflicted thief with a troubled past — to make three wishes. Each wish brings the Djinn one step closer to his gruesome goal, with Morgana battling her own demons and desires to avoid succumbing to the Djinn’s manipulations. Trapped in a dangerous and deadly game, Morgana must outwit the Djinn and his troublesomely literal interpretations of peoples' desires.

One of the standout aspects of this film is the exploration of the concept of evil dwelling within us all and it beautifully weaves that into the narrative. It showcases with much flair the idea of how humans, consumed by greed and ambition, unknowingly invite evil into their lives.

The supporting cast is impressive as well, with Chris Weber taking on the role of Morgana's lover, and Al Foster playing a tough and pragmatic detective who increasingly finds himself entangled in the supernatural events unfolding around him. These characters shape and fuel the plot forward, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies utilizes a combination of top-notch special effects and practical creature design to create a chilling spectacle. The gruesome transformations invoked by the Djinn's perverted wishes are impressively detailed and unsettling, leading to some genuinely spine-chilling moments that truly make Wishmaster 2 stand out in the realm of late 90s horror cinema.

The setting of this film also significantly contributes to the impending sense of doom. Most of the story takes place in a prison, which adds to the claustrophobic tension that underlines the entire plot. Coupled with an unwelcome supernatural entity, the nightmarish atmosphere amplifies the stakes and adds a unique distortion to the typical prison setting.

Even though Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is a horror movie, it is not without its lighter moments. This film balances a fine line between terror and humor, blending them to present a storyline that deviates from the traditional path of horror narratives. The result is a film that leaves its audience pensively engaged, offering them moments to catch their breath through the occasional clever quip or witty one-liner, before plunging them back into the heart of its terror.

Summarily, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is more than just a horror film. This 1999 sequel offers a thrilling adventurous ride set against a backdrop of ancient myth, modern horror and moral dilemma. Andrew Divoff’s mesmerizing performance as the Djinn, combined with standout turns by Holly Fields, Chris Weber, and Al Foster under Jack Sholder’s deft direction, makes this film a must-watch for any fan of genre films that artfully tie together horror, fantasy, and psychological depth. While at surface level it may seem to be about a mythical creature wreaking havoc, the real story lies within the exploration of our darkest desires and what we are willing to do or give up to fulfill them.