Creepshow 2, the sequel to the beloved 1982 original, certainly has its macabre storytelling moments. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, it manages to deliver a decent dose of chills that should satisfy fans of anthology-style horror.
One of the movie’s standout segments is “The Raft,” based on Stephen King’s short story. An 80s staple “frisky teens up to sexy hijinks run afoul of predatory menace” story set on a remote lake, it creates a sense of isolation and impending doom that evokes genuine dread. The suspense builds as a nameless, formless threat lurks beneath the surface, ready to claim another victim.
The practical creature effects deserve a nod here. They’re deceptively simple yet impressive, and they’re central to a few standout scares that are among the film’s most memorable. This segment’s one major demerit is a rushed ending that verges on cheating to land one last gut punch. But in terms of its ranking among Creepshow 2‘s terror tales, “The Raft” comes a close second.
A perennial fan highlight is “The Hitchhiker.” In another classic 80s setup, a trophy wife races time – and her Mercedes – to hide an affair from her beta banker husband. But lust and haste intersect in a tragic accident that pits her against a vengeful antagonist as relentless as the ticking clock. This segment is packed with tension seasoned by King’s once-trademark sense of dark humor, making it a must-watch. If you see no other segment from Creepshow 2, make it this one.
However, Creepshow 2 does have its drawbacks. The animated wraparound story involving the Creepshow comic book feels somewhat forced and lacks the charm that the original brought to the same motif. In addition, not all the segments are created equal. “Old Chief Wood’nhead” comes off as sluggish and predictable compared to the others. And while the film makers seemed to have been going for a wistful tone, they missed the mark and hit sappy instead.
Also, there’s no getting around the fact that this movie contains only three stories instead of the original’s five. So it’s a less savory meal with smaller portions.
But as alluded to before, veteran makeup artist Tom Savini deserves full marks for the practical effects on gory display in Creepshow 2. Their authenticity maintains an overarching sense of creepiness, even if some of the storytelling falls short.
While Creepshow 2 may not quite equal the original classic, it has flashes of horror brilliance that make it worth a watch for fans of the genre. It’s a decent follow up that manages to capture some of its predecessor’s spirit, even if it falls below the high bar set by part 1 at times. If you missed this one back in the day, you at least owe it to yourself to go back and watch “The Hitchhiker” and “The Raft.”
Bonus fact: Creepshow 2 is not the last entry in the famed horror franchise. Romero and King collaborated on a third horror anthology which, despite having a different name, is a canonical part of the series. And debate rages as to whether it’s the best of the bunch.
That franchise capstone masterpiece is Tales from the Darkside: The Movie. With a star-studded cast featuring Debbie Harry, Christian Slater, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi, its star power rivals part 1’s. And its slicker production values bring anthology horror into the 90s with grisly style.
I know you can’t wait for me to review this franchise high point that few even know is part of the series. But there’s no need to. You’ll find my full review of Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, along with a sumptuous wealth of exclusive benefits, on my Neopatronage feed.
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