Although Terrifier 2 ramps up the mayhem, blood and gore, and does at least try to present more of a story, it really offered a lot more of the same as the first movie. It will still appeal to the hardcore blood and gore fans, but I found myself bored.
The basic story is still the same, Art the Clown terrorizes a couple of teenagers on Halloween, killing anyone who gets in his way. This time out though, there is an attempt to provide more narrative. The teenagers get more of a backstory, and we find that there is some link between Art and their deceased father when they see their father had drawn Art in his sketchbook before dying.
One my main complaints with Terrifier was that it lacked any kind of story. So, I suppose this is an improvement. Not much of one though. The story is nonsense, and it presents more questions that it answers. It’s better than nothing I suppose. However, much of the time it does feel like random things thrown into a script. Maybe Terrifier 3 provides some answers and fills in some gaps, but as is, the story is a weak spot.
A major improvement over the first movie is with the protagonist. Sienna, as played by Lauren LaVera, is a major step up from any other character in the franchise so far. She feels real, not just a potential victim in waiting. This is one place where the story helps as we do get to see some of her daily life, and we are given reason to root for her. Credit to LaVera for making the most of the role as she gives a terrific performance.
The rest of the cast is not as good. That is, except for David Howard Thornton and his portrayal Art. He brings a maniacal glee to the character in his speechless, exaggerated movements, while still providing a level of menace. Like the fist film, the clown antics do become tedious after a while, but I can still appreciate the commitment to the character.
The real star of the movie, of course, is the effects and makeup. It’s really tremendous work. Although perhaps larger than the first movie, this is still clearly a small budget. But writer/director Damien Leone once again works some incredible movie magic. The kills are graphic and amped up for maximum shock value. Even more so than the first movie. If you have a weak stomach, this is not the movie for you.
There is such a thing as ‘too much’ though. And that’s what I found with Terrifier 2. The movie is far too long, and even with the brilliance of the effects, it stops being effective. The movie just doesn’t know when to end and keeps adding scenes. I admire the artistry but felt like Terrifier 2 wanted to show every single trick and effect it could think of, and the pacing of the movie feels off because of it. However, I do understand why fans of the movie would feel differently than I do.
Just like the first movie, I’m somewhat indifferent on Terrifier 2. Again, the makeup and effects are absolutely top notch and will satisfy many. As well, the addition of Lauren LaVera really does help elevate things. The movie is too long though, and the story is still nonsense. Frankly, I found myself bored midway through. If you’re a hardcore blood and gore fan, this is probably a must see. For others, there’s still not a whole lot here to recommend.
Have you seen Terrifier 2? Are you planning to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.