Like the original, 'Terrifier 2' is a nasty little treat for fans of 'non-elevated' horror. A spunky 80's horror throwback with its own distinct personality and bolstered by one memorable, charismatic villain, Damien Leone's delightful follow up to his original sleeper treads the line between tongue-in-cheek and exploitation. And in addition to the icky practical effects, it has what's been missing in most genre offerings as of late: a wicked sense of humor. Some have proclaimed Art the Clown to be this generations' "Freddy".
"Terrifier 2" also relies on an internal logic that keeps suspension of disbelief in check just so- at least until the film crosses over into the surreal. The supporting teen protagonists, while disposable of course, are less cloying than in many modern horror films, and personally I was bummed when at least a couple of them met their very very grisly demise.
Unfortunately, Leone shifts gears at the 2-hour mark and introduces a new plot development that proves a real head-scratcher. I am not sure why he didn't save it until the next installment, because it drags the film out for too long (is there is an unspoken rule in Hollywood that having a longer running time implies more substance?).
Despite the fact that it (arguably) overstays its welcome, Terrifier 2 delivers and would make an ideal midnight double bill with its predecessor. I suspect that everybody involved in its production had a blast making it and, barring the last 30 minutes or so, its audience will too.
*****Final note: If, like me, you were concerned that the gore factor might be too much to take, you can rest assured that the kills are so over-the-top, unrealistic, and cartoonish, that those moments play out more like horror/comedy than disturbing torture porn.