Poltergeist II: The Other Side

As needless a sequel as one could envision, Poltergeist II: The Other Side follows the Freeling family (Craig T. Nelson’s Steve, JoBeth Williams’ Diane, Oliver Robins’ Robbie, and Heather O’Rourke’s Carol Anne) as they’re once again forced to fend for their lives after a vicious demon sets its sights on young Carol Anne. There’s never a point at which Poltergeist II: The Other Side is entirely able to justify its existence, as the film primarily comes off as a bland rehash of its superior predecessor – with the less-than-fresh atmosphere perpetuated by interludes of an undeniably familiar nature (ie a riff on the original’s legendary bathroom sequence). The exceedingly deliberate pace with which director Brian Gibson has infused the proceedings is exacerbated by an opening hour that’s almost hopelessly uneventful, as the ongoing emphasis on various time-killing elements ensures that one is simply unable to wholeheartedly connect to the Freelings’ increasingly perilous plight. The inclusion of a few admittedly compelling stand-alone sequences can’t quite compensate for the pervasively pointless vibe, and although the stars are as personable as ever (Nelson is especially charismatic here), Poltergeist II: The Other Side is ultimately unable to replicate the first film’s atmosphere of familial drama and outrageous horror.

** out of ****