Phantasm II

The only valid reason for seeing this belated sequel is that it goes some way towards explaining the incomprehensible plot of its predecessor. Now 19, Mike (Le Gros) emerges from seven solid years of psychoanalysis to discover - surprise, surprise - that it wasn't all in his disturbed mind. The ensuing action again pits Mike and 'bald, middle-aged ex-ice cream vendor Reg' (Bannister) against the cadaverous Tall Man (Scrimm) and his malevolent dwarf slaves. Clammy stuff, with a few spirited gore sequences, such as flying spheres which attach themselves to the victim's forehead and drill their way into the brain. There are a few good jokes, and patches of gruesome inventiveness, but no cumulative tension.