NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 2 (1994)
Here we have another flick that just missed the cutoff for Random Sequel Month (a second edition may be in order). I'll start by establishing a base. I love, love, love Kevin Tenney's Night of the Demons. Apart from the admittedly drowsy third act, it stands as one of the most accomplished party movies out there. The autumnal vibes are real. While this follow-up doesn't have the sick opening credits animation of its forebear, it does come correct with cauldrons of spooky atmosphere. Angela's mousy sister attends a Catholic school where authority figures allow for a flavorless, buttoned-up Halloween party. Of course, we follow a group of friends with more adventurous plans. Why not go to Hull House? A quick interjection, if I may...where did this trope come from? Honestly, has a group of young people ever chosen to do something like this in reality? Sorry, that's always bugged me.
It isn't long before Angela is up to her old tricks. Our ensemble of attractive co-eds manages to skirt by alright (thanks, in part, to skirts), but I missed Stooge and Suzanne. Okay, I missed Suzanne. I don't see why Linnea Quigley can't appear in every single movie I watch. Don't get me wrong; the acting is serviceable. However, I spent the bulk of the running time waiting for the characters to die in ghastly, salacious ways. To that end, Night of the Demons 2 delivers in the home stretch. I'm going to make a bold statement. The last ten minutes are kinda brilliant. Seriously, Angela's serpent form? Pure nightmare fuel. Alas, the first eighty minutes are inconsistent at best. Random trivia! Director Brian Trenchard-Smith helmed Leprechaun 3 and Leprechaun 4: In Space. Oddly, two of the folks in this film - Zoe Trilling and, um, Guy with Stupid Hair - also pop up in Dr. Giggles. So now you know.
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