Studious bookworm Randolph Carter (a sturdy and credible performance by Mark Kinsey Stephenson) investigates a series of strange murders at Miskatonic University. He discovers that said murders were committed by a savage and hideous half-woman, half-demon monster (Penthouse Pet Julie Strain in a gnarly outfit). The beast seeks to be rejoined with its human half Alyda Winthrop (a sweet and touching portrayal by the ravishing Maria Ford) so it can be complete again.
Writer/director Jean-Paul Oullette keeps the absorbing and entertaining story moving along at a constant pace, ably crafts a creepy atmosphere, treats the premise with admirable seriousness, and delivers several neat moments of graphic gore. The capable acting by the tip-top cast keeps this movie humming: John Rhys-Davies brings a winning blend of energy and conviction to his role as the hearty Professor Warren, Charles Klausmeyer lends amusing support as the wishy-washy Eliot Damon Howard, and Ford projects both a certain endearing fragile naivete and a sizzling feline sensuality as a wide-eyed innocent damsel in distress (the fact that the delectable Mrs. Ford spends a substantial amount of her screen time cavorting about in her birthday suit certainly doesn't hurt matters in the least). Alas, David Warner is wasted in a nothing minor part as the stern Chancellor Thayer. The creature is much more ferocious and frightening than in the previous film. Both David Bergeaud's stirring shuddery score and the glossy cinematography by Greg Gardiner and Roger Olkowski are up to par. A worthy follow-up.
Writer/director Jean-Paul Oullette keeps the absorbing and entertaining story moving along at a constant pace, ably crafts a creepy atmosphere, treats the premise with admirable seriousness, and delivers several neat moments of graphic gore. The capable acting by the tip-top cast keeps this movie humming: John Rhys-Davies brings a winning blend of energy and conviction to his role as the hearty Professor Warren, Charles Klausmeyer lends amusing support as the wishy-washy Eliot Damon Howard, and Ford projects both a certain endearing fragile naivete and a sizzling feline sensuality as a wide-eyed innocent damsel in distress (the fact that the delectable Mrs. Ford spends a substantial amount of her screen time cavorting about in her birthday suit certainly doesn't hurt matters in the least). Alas, David Warner is wasted in a nothing minor part as the stern Chancellor Thayer. The creature is much more ferocious and frightening than in the previous film. Both David Bergeaud's stirring shuddery score and the glossy cinematography by Greg Gardiner and Roger Olkowski are up to par. A worthy follow-up.