Released in 1988, Ghoulies II is the second installment in the Ghoulies franchise, which carved a niche for itself in the mid-to-late '80s as a series of campy, low-budget horror comedies. Directed by Albert Band and following the modest success of the original Ghoulies (1985), this sequel manages to lean further into the absurdity and charm of its titular creatures while delivering a story that embraces its status as a schlocky B-movie. For fans of creature features and cult classics, Ghoulies II is an entertaining ride that delivers exactly what one might expect: mischievous, slimy monsters causing chaos, this time in the whimsical setting of a traveling carnival.
Ghoulies II follows Larry (Damon Martin) and his uncle, Ned (Royal Dano), as they transport a haunted house attraction called "Satan’s Den" to a struggling carnival. Along the way, they unknowingly bring along a group of ghoulies—grotesque, mischievous creatures unleashed from an abandoned Satanic ritual site. Once at the carnival, the ghoulies begin to wreak havoc, blending in with the fake scares of the haunted house and eventually spilling out into the rest of the fairgrounds.
As the ghoulies torment the carnival workers and patrons alike, the humans scramble to figure out what’s happening. While Larry and his love interest, Nicole (Kerry Remsen), try to save the day, they contend with a greedy carnival owner, Phillip Hardin (J. Downing), who is more concerned with profits than the safety of his staff or guests. By the climax, the ghoulies' antics reach a fever pitch, and it’s up to Larry and company to confront the little demons head-on.
Unsurprisingly, the ghoulies themselves are the highlight of the movie. Designed by John Carl Buechler, the practical effects give the creatures a distinctive charm. Whether it’s the fish-like ghoulie, the slimy toad ghoulie, or the cackling cat-ghoulie, each creature has its own personality, brought to life through puppetry and stop-motion animation. The tactile, low-tech effects lend an endearing, handmade quality to the film, contrasting sharply with the sterile perfectionism of modern CGI-heavy creature features.
The ghoulies’ antics are both creepy and comedic, striking a balance that defines much of the film’s tone. Watching them terrorize carnival-goers in inventive ways—whether by sabotaging rides or turning simple scares into real horrors—is undeniably fun. They are grotesque, silly, and mischievous in equal measure, recalling the gleeful chaos of the Gremlins movies, though with less finesse and polish.
The carnival setting is a masterstroke for this kind of movie, offering a ready-made backdrop of weirdness and kitsch. The haunted house attraction, with its cheesy decorations and over-the-top horror props, mirrors the film’s tone perfectly. There’s an inherent absurdity to the idea of ghoulies running loose in a carnival, and the movie embraces this absurdity with gusto.
Royal Dano’s performance as Uncle Ned adds a layer of tragic depth to the otherwise light-hearted proceedings. Ned’s struggles with alcoholism and his moments of quiet reflection contrast with the film’s zanier elements, giving it a surprising emotional anchor. His final act of heroism lends the movie an unexpected poignancy, even if it’s somewhat at odds with the overall campy vibe.
The rest of the cast delivers serviceable performances, though the characters are largely archetypal. Damon Martin’s Larry is a classic underdog hero, while Kerry Remsen’s Nicole provides a spirited love interest. J. Downing is delightfully slimy as the villainous Phillip Hardin, whose greed serves as a metaphorical commentary on corporate exploitation. However, none of the human characters are particularly memorable; they exist primarily as props for the ghoulies’ antics.
While Ghoulies II is undeniably entertaining, it’s far from perfect, and that's part of the charm. It has earned a place in the hearts of B-movie enthusiasts and fans of ‘80s horror. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, reveling in its campy premise and wearing its low budget on its slime-covered sleeves. This self-awareness makes it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate movies that embrace their limitations and focus on delivering a fun experience.
The film’s cult status is bolstered by its accessibility as a creature feature that doesn’t rely on excessive gore or graphic violence. Instead, it leans into creativity and humor, making it a gateway movie for younger horror fans or those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Ghoulies II is a quintessential B-movie: campy, chaotic, and unapologetically absurd. While it may not be a masterpiece of cinema, it excels at being exactly what it sets out to be—a fun, silly romp featuring mischievous little monsters wreaking havoc. Its charm lies in its earnestness, practical effects, and the infectious energy of its titular creatures.
This 4K Blu-ray release offers impressive features for fans and collectors. The 4K UHD disc includes a stunning 2024 4K restoration (16-bit scan of the original camera negative) of both PG-13 and R-rated versions, presented in Dolby Vision/HDR with the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, complemented by LPCM 2.0 stereo audio and optional English subtitles (the Blu-ray adds French and Spanish options).
Bonus features include deleted scenes, a photo gallery, and exclusive featurettes such as "Under A Magic Moon," a 33-minute interview with screenwriter Dennis Paoli, and "More Toilets, More Terror: The Making of Ghoulies 2" (16:50), along with a theatrical trailer and a brief introduction by Paoli. Physical extras like reversible artwork, a collectible '4K LaserVision' mini-poster, and a limited edition slipcover (first pressing only) round out this exceptional package, making it a must-have for enthusiasts.
For fans of cult horror and cheesy ‘80s fare, Ghoulies II is a delightful slice of nostalgia that’s perfect for a late-night viewing with friends. It’s not high art, but it’s undeniably entertaining, reminding us that sometimes, movies are at their best when they’re just plain fun.
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