Phantasm & Mike
Of all the Phantasm films part two is way out in front. Coscarelli has shown us that he can create in a world of horror sterotypes and still bring a fresh experience to the genre. Part one of course has a special place in the heart but its clear that the sequel although taking the same elements forward in the story brought an improved technique to the actual 'skill' of film making. I'm no film student but even I can see the lighting, photography, editing etc is vastly improved. Maybe he had more money who knows but I'd rather believe that his 'art' had developed from the first feature. The main lead played by James Le Gros is a change to the original and subsequent character of 'Mike' played in the first and parts 3 & 4 by Michael Baldwin. Theres a lot of promise in part two, I especially liked Mike's esp link with his later love interest and hoped that this would be an interesting development in later sequels (disappointingly this wasnt to be) at least we had a glimpse in this feature to see Mike as a likeable hero with his trusty but horny sidekick Reggie, rather than the sulky introverted character later portrayed. The 'Tall man' is a fantastic bogey man and his sphere weapons add the required core this is horror as it should be scary slightly cliched with an obligitory sex scene for good messure!score 10/10
cedwardson 22 June 2003
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0260761/35714
Pages:
[1]