Get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the world of Phantasm II, a horror movie that has left many fans wondering about its fate.
The Rise and Fall of a Horror Classic
Phantasm II, released in 1988, is a sequel to the cult classic Phantasm, a film that seemingly came out of nowhere and captivated audiences with its unique brand of weirdness. But did the sequel live up to its predecessor's legacy? Let's find out.
The Making of Phantasm: A Nightmare Come True
The story of Phantasm began with a nightmare. Director Don Coscarelli, after a few disappointing studio films, decided to venture into the horror genre. Inspired by a teenage dream of being chased by a chrome sphere through marble corridors, Coscarelli crafted a unique script in a remote mountain cabin. The result? A low-budget horror masterpiece that became a hit through word-of-mouth and re-releases.
Coscarelli's Journey: From Horror to Sword-and-Sorcery
After the success of Phantasm, Coscarelli took a break from horror, fearing typecasting. He directed The Beastmaster, a sword-and-sorcery adventure, but the experience left him cognizant of studio interference. Meanwhile, Phantasm continued to gain fans through network airings and home video releases, keeping its legacy alive.
Universal's Intervention: A New Direction for Phantasm?
Enter Tom Pollock, a Universal Pictures executive and long-time supporter of Coscarelli. Pollock greenlit Phantasm II, but with a catch - the studio wanted a fresh, action-driven film with established actors. This led to the recasting of key roles, including Mike and Reggie, with the studio arguing that the original actors hadn't worked much since the first film.
Casting Controversies and Fresh Faces
The recasting process was a tough one. Jeffrey Tambor was considered for Reggie, and Brad Pitt even auditioned for Mike. Coscarelli admitted Pitt would have been great, but James LeGros won him over with his intensity. A. Michael Baldwin, the original Mike, was replaced, but he returned for the subsequent Phantasm films, giving fans the closure they sought. Reggie Bannister, however, had to re-audition, and Coscarelli finally let him shine as an action hero.
The New Cast: Bringing Fresh Energy
Samantha Phillips landed the role of Alchemy, despite not fitting the script's description. Coscarelli appreciated her sincerity and warm personality. Paula Irvine played Liz Reynolds, Mike's psychic love interest, thanks to her girl-next-door charm. Kenneth Tigar joined as Father Meyers, delivering a performance praised for its depth.
Special Effects and the House Explosion
Phantasm II had the cheapest budget of any Universal film in the 80s, yet it was the most expensive in the franchise. A significant portion of the budget went into special effects, with newcomers Robert Kurtzman and Greg Nicotero delivering impressive visuals. One notable scene was The Tall Man's messy death, which took days to film and required extensive makeup.
The film's biggest sequence was the recreation of the house explosion from the first film's finale. The production company bought the house for $500 and moved it due to the filming location near an airport. Despite restrictions on explosives, a fan of the original Phantasm, the Fire Marshal, encouraged the crew to "blow the hell out of it." The sequence, filmed with six cameras and loaded with explosives, was a success, captured in a single take.
Censorship and Test Audiences: Diluting the Mystery
With Universal's backing came the requirement for test screenings, which pushed for clarity in the film's more inexplicable moments. Coscarelli trimmed surreal moments and added voiceovers to explain unclear incidents. While the road movie structure helped make the story more straightforward, these changes diluted the intentional mystery that defined the original Phantasm.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Phantasm II faced stiff competition at the box office, opening in ninth place against films like Coming to America and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It earned just over $3 million in its first weekend and made around $7 million worldwide, recovering its budget but not meeting Universal's expectations. Critics were mixed, with some praising the fun ride and others criticizing it based on personal taste.
The film found new life in the home entertainment market, and the Scream Factory re-release included a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and a featurette with Greg Nicotero, reflecting on the film's standout moments. It also featured a commentary track with Don Coscarelli, Reggie Bannister, and Angus Scrimm, the actor behind The Tall Man.
A Love Letter to the Fans
Phantasm II amps up the action and gore, delivering an entertaining sequel that fans still adore. While the slow-burn horror of the original takes a backseat, terrifying moments remain. The film expands on the story, with The Tall Man unleashing his sentinels, Reggie stepping into his action hero role, and Mike finally winning the battle - for now.
The legacy of Phantasm II is a strange love letter to the fans who kept the series alive. It leaves audiences wanting more, and perhaps that's the true measure of its success.
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