A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge - So Bad I Puked!?!

Stepping out of the shadows of its groundbreaking predecessor, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, released in 1985, faced the daunting task of meeting the high expectations set by the original.

While it initially met with critical disapproval, the film has since undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving from a panned sequel to a beloved cult classic.

A Departure from the Dream World

One of the primary criticisms leveled at Freddy's Revenge was the decision to venture Freddy Krueger beyond the confines of the dream world. This shift in setting raised eyebrows among fans accustomed to Freddy's reign of terror within the surreal landscapes of the subconscious.

However, this departure from the established formula has come to be viewed as a daring creative choice that expanded the film's universe and allowed for new avenues of exploration.

The Rise of the Male Scream Queen

Another bold move made by Freddy's Revenge was the introduction of Jesse Walsh, a male protagonist who exhibited characteristics typically associated with female scream queens.

This unconventional casting broke the mold of traditional horror tropes, injecting a fresh perspective into the genre.

While initially met with surprise, the character of Jesse has since gained a loyal following, appreciated for his vulnerability and depth in the face of Freddy's relentless pursuit.

The film's exploration of Jesse Walsh's character and his relationships led to interpretations of homosexual subtext, which resonated with some viewers. The film's willingness to delve into these themes has contributed to its enduring appeal and cult status.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge was released in theaters in late 1985, I didn't see it until its release on video in 1986. 

It was the night of the last day of 4th grade. I was invited for a sleepover at my best school mates house. His mom had just gotten this 2-floor condo.

She took us to the video store and let us pick out two movies.
We chose Poltergeist II: The Other Side and A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge. Boy, we were excited!

Well, we were excited about the movies, but maybe a bit more excited to be hanging out together not in school. The lights were off in the room and we started with Freddy's Revenge.

Buuut between our pillow fort, playing tag in the dark, and his mom coming in to tell us to quiet down, we didn't see much of the movie. By the time we put Poltergeist II in we were 5 minutes away from passing out. Almost immediately after pressing play on the VHS player, pass out we did.

The next morning we sat at the kitchen table to have breakfast. His mom prepared scrambled eggs and sausage. Mmm, delicious. As I'm eating breakfast I start remembering that though they are quite tasty, eggs turn my stomach. She asked how breakfast was and I responded "good."

After the plates were cleared my friend and I played tag in their living room. It was a new place so there was no furniture, just clean white walls, and a lush cream-colored carpet. A great space to run around in!

All of a sudden the eggs kicked in and my stomach started rolling. My movement slowed. Feeling dizzy, I put my hand on the wall and proceeded to vomit all over that white wall and cream carpet. Damn playtime was over.

A Cult Classic Emerges

Despite its initial reception, Freddy's Revenge has gradually amassed a cult following, gaining recognition for its daring creative decisions and unique place within the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

The film's unconventional approach to its narrative and character development has resonated with audiences, transforming it from a misunderstood sequel into a cherished piece of horror cinema. Personally, I'd rather watch Freddy's Revenge than eat a plate of eggs any day!

The Best Horror Movie Of 1988

A Fond Look Back at 1988's Horror Gems

1988 was a golden year for horror cinema, with a diverse range of films that thrilled, scared, and entertained audiences worldwide. From the return of iconic franchises to fresh and innovative takes on the genre, 1988 had something for every horror fan.

I was able to see a good amount of them in the theater, and others I had to wait to catch on cable or find later at the video store. 

Among my favorite releases were Childs Play, Night of the Demons, Pumpkin Head, Fright Night II, The Robert Englund directed 976-Evil, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 4 The Dream Master, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, and the great Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood...opinions vary.

Alongside more serious horror fare, there were also lighthearted and enjoyable horror films like Critters 2: The Main Course and The Blob that made for an entertaining Friday night at the Marlow Heights Cinema. I would eagerly get my ticket, hoping for a great movie, but I was perfectly content with them being just "okay."

The Disappointment of Poltergeist III

While 1988 offered many delights, there were also some letdowns. Poltergeist III, in particular, fell short of expectations.

Released in July 1988 I eagerly went to the movies Saturday afternoon of the opening weekend. The day prior was my last day of 6th grade and besides saying goodbye to my friends all I talked about was looking forward to seeing Poltergeist III.

Having loved Poltergeist II: The Other Side, I eagerly anticipated Poltergeist III, hoping for another mind-blowing experience. However, the film's disjointed plot and lack of connection to its predecessors left me feeling disappointed.

The Unexpected Delight of Phantasm II

Amidst this abundance of great horror, I believe Phantasm II stands out as the true gem of the year. This underrated sequel to the cult classic Phantasm delivered a thrilling and terrifying experience, leaving a lasting impression on me.

In contrast to my disappointment with Poltergeist III, Phantasm II provided a pleasant surprise. I had no prior exposure to the original Phantasm, so I approached the sequel with no preconceived notions. What I found was a dark, atmospheric, and genuinely terrifying film that exceeded my expectations.

It was a Friday night, possibly opening weekend for Phantasm II. My cousin and I were in my Uncle's house entertaining ourselves with a dashing game of Sorry!, when the next-door neighbors, who were college-age, came over and asked if we wanted to go see a movie. YES!!! Phantasm II? Hell YES!!!. 

Holy sh** this movie was awesome! I hadn't seen the original Phantasm, so I had no idea what to expect. The movie was dark and haunting. The imagery was bleak. The kills were creative and disturbing. And the music...creepy as hell.

The movie has everything you need for a horror joy ride. A badass shit-talking hero in Reggie. A hunt that takes us through graveyards and hauntingly, abandoned towns, corpse reanimation, and of course the alcohol-guzzling priest. The Tall Man and his deadly spheres are icing on the cake.

A Legacy of Horror Excellence

Many fans of the original Phantasm expressed disappointment with the sequel, viewing it as a rehash of the first film with little originality. I can understand their perspective, having seen the original Phantasm after watching the sequel.

The long wait of nearly a decade for a sequel fueled their expectations, only to be met with a film that felt like a carbon copy of the first. I also experienced a similar sense of closure after my 6-year wait for Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead, which marked the end of my Phantasm journey.

Phantasm II's blend of horror and action, reminiscent of films like Predator and Aliens, makes it a standout in 1988's crowded horror landscape. Despite its smaller budget, the film delivers a visually stunning and emotionally gripping experience that has rightfully earned its place among the horror greats.