So we're back with a second instalment of the Puppet Master series. I like this stories concept. It picks up where the last story ended. A new group of paranormal researchers have turned up at the Hotel in Bodega Bay after learning of the previous occurrences. Luckily, or rather unluckily, for them all is not well in the hotel. The body of Andre Toulon, buried in the cemetery behind the hotel, has been desecrated... by the murderous marionettes... but to what cause? I think you can guess!
So it's not long before the mayhem starts and more of the mystery is revealed. In this episode, we get to learn of the puppets secret of life and we are introduced to four new dolls. Even though Torch is awesome and can throw his flame ten-foot, the scariest dolls are the lifesize mannequins of Toulon and his wife.
Though Charles Band and David Pabian give us a decent story that expands upon the marionettes mythos it's the direction that hurts the film the most. The same cleverness with lighting and camera techniques isn't visible here. The fact that David Allen steers this in the standard horror direction isn't a help. The scene in the homesteader's abode is one of the better clips. With the main light source being an open coal or log fire gives the entire scene atmosphere and power. If this had been the norm throughout the movie it would have created a stronger film.
A further drawback is the pace of the film. This is a tad on the slow side. The story warrants a varied pace, similar to the first film. It would have helped to build and create both tension and atmosphere, which is lacking in a few scenes.
Another thing this flick has going for it is the cast, which includes Nita Talbot and the great cameo George "Buck" Flower. Most of the lead characters are acted well, though the actress Elizabeth Maclellan as Carolyn and Elsa does come across a bit impassive at times. Steve Wells does a good portrayal of the creepy hotel guest, Eriquee Chancee.
Though it doesn't have the same mystique as the original, this sequel is still worth a watch, especially if you enjoyed the first. Though I wouldn't keep going back to watch this one again, in a rush... or any of the sequels, for that matter. Still, it's enjoyable for one watch on a cold and dark night since this is more firmly situated in the horror zone. Come and see where the film sits on my Absolute Horror list.
So it's not long before the mayhem starts and more of the mystery is revealed. In this episode, we get to learn of the puppets secret of life and we are introduced to four new dolls. Even though Torch is awesome and can throw his flame ten-foot, the scariest dolls are the lifesize mannequins of Toulon and his wife.
Though Charles Band and David Pabian give us a decent story that expands upon the marionettes mythos it's the direction that hurts the film the most. The same cleverness with lighting and camera techniques isn't visible here. The fact that David Allen steers this in the standard horror direction isn't a help. The scene in the homesteader's abode is one of the better clips. With the main light source being an open coal or log fire gives the entire scene atmosphere and power. If this had been the norm throughout the movie it would have created a stronger film.
A further drawback is the pace of the film. This is a tad on the slow side. The story warrants a varied pace, similar to the first film. It would have helped to build and create both tension and atmosphere, which is lacking in a few scenes.
Another thing this flick has going for it is the cast, which includes Nita Talbot and the great cameo George "Buck" Flower. Most of the lead characters are acted well, though the actress Elizabeth Maclellan as Carolyn and Elsa does come across a bit impassive at times. Steve Wells does a good portrayal of the creepy hotel guest, Eriquee Chancee.
Though it doesn't have the same mystique as the original, this sequel is still worth a watch, especially if you enjoyed the first. Though I wouldn't keep going back to watch this one again, in a rush... or any of the sequels, for that matter. Still, it's enjoyable for one watch on a cold and dark night since this is more firmly situated in the horror zone. Come and see where the film sits on my Absolute Horror list.