Like the original, 'Terrifier 2' is a tasty treat for fans of extreme gore and 80's horror throwbacks. It unapologetically marches to its drum, treading the line between tongue-in-cheek and exploitation. And in addition to the icky practical effects (which are taken to the next level), it has what's been missing in most genre offerings lately: a wicked sense of humor. Some have proclaimed Art the Clown to be this generation's "Freddy".
"Terrifier 2" also benefits from a fun supporting cast and a strong lead. The teen protagonists, while disposable of course, are less cloying than in many modern horror films, and I was legitimately bummed when a couple of them met their very very grisly demise.
The film does shift gears around the 2-hour mark, introducing a new plot development that proves a real head-scratcher. While this may test some viewers' patience, I suspect the payoff will be worth it in the next installment. Thankfully, the story establishes an internal logic early on so that when it goes further into full-blown surreal mode, viewers are more willing to suspend disbelief.
Minor quibbles aside, Terrifier 2 delivers the goods and would make an ideal midnight double bill with its predecessor. You can tell that everybody involved in its production had a blast making it and its target audience will too.
*****Final note: If you are concerned that the gore factor might be too much to take- as was I initially- I will note that the kills are so extreme and over-the-top that they often feel more befitting to a cult horror/comedy rather than to your standard torture porn. The tone is less "Hostel" and more "Evil Dead" or 'Troma Films'.
