by: NYCalling
Posted on 11.10.09 in All Horror Films > Monster
Release Date: 1987

Ah, horror sequels. And even more importantly, sequels by Albert Band and his band of renown. What made me watch this film was that it was actually directed by Albert Band, the patriarch of the Band family, who of course are the architects of the “Full Moon” empire, which has put out more films then Takashi Miike. While he produced a John Carradine like amount of films, his director resume is a little thin. He seemed to be more of a Roger Corman sort, a guy who bankrolled and produced films but rarely got involved in the dirty work of directing.

The film is basically centered in a carnival. The ghoulies take over the haunted house, and basically cause nothing but mayhem and murder. If you’re wondering what the hell a Ghoulie is, it’s just basically an uglier Gremlin rip-ff. This is a sequel to the quickly rushed out first film, which of course was trying to capitalize on the huge success of Gremlins, and did make a decent return. More then decent, as it earned enough to warrant a sequel.

As they begin to tear apart some idiots (and Band makes sure they aren’t too sympathetic of characters) some other Carnival viewers happen to see them at work. Oddly enough, more crowds begin to go into the haunted house, as when the Ghoulies are discovered the happy carnival goers think they are part of the ambience. Only a few patrons and some of the ride attendants figure out something may be amiss, and that the torture show in the haunted house may be real.

That’s basically the plot: but how’s the film itself?

Actually, it’s not that bad. Sure it’s limited as far as budget and sets go, but it’s not bad in a guilty pleasure, ‘USA up all night’ sense. Albert Band manages a rare feat however:

This film is better then it’s predecessor.
Not sure if this was intentional, as “Full Moon”’ studios, much like Corman, was always about the bottom line. But the original was not too good, and what Band wisely does is center the film much more on the Ghoulies themselves, and throws in much more sex and violence. Well, mainly violence. The title and box of the original Ghoulies on VHS made it a hit, but it’s an abominable film, with hardly any of the title creatures in it. This film goes the full blown Gremlins 2 route, with having the creatures pretty much going non stop. There are a few stop motion sequences, the acting isn’t hideously bad, and Band wisely went the “Evil Dead 2” route and threw a lot of humor in it. Much like Joe Dante in “Gremlin’s 2”, the emphasis is squarely on the little creatures, and the mayhem they cause. It’s definitely not in the class of “Gremlin’s 2”, but it’s a pretty good way to waste a couple of hours.

• ★★★★★

  Acting:

• ★★★★★

  Blood:

• ★★★★★

  Violence:

• ★★★★★

  Partying:

• ★★★★★

  Language:

• ★★★★★

  Humor:

• ★★★★★

  Predictable:

• ★★★★★

  Girls:

• ★★★★★

  Gore:

• ★★★★★

  Sexuality:

• ★★★★★

  Torture:

• ★★★★★

  Overall:

Anyone ever see Hobgoblins...or whatever it's called? Saw it on MST a long time ago and they RIPPED it apart. I like how all of these puppet monster films can fall into their own category now. HA!