This mundane sequel to New World Pictures' surprise horror hit
bears little connection with its predecessor apart from the
participation of writer Ethan Wiley, who also assumed directorial
duties. This time around, the title abode is an old mansion inherited
by the great-great-grandson of its original owner, a legendary frontier
outlaw. The new owner, Jesse (Arye Gross), whose parents were
murdered in the mansion 20 years ago, unwisely searches the
premises for a cache of gems believed to be hidden there. With the
aid of girlfriend Kate (Lar Park Lincoln) and buddy Charlie (Jonathan
Stark), Jesse stumbles upon the original owner himself (Royal Dano),
who is remarkably still alive (albeit in particularly decrepit condition)
and cantankerous as all get-out. Great-great-grandpa has been
preserved by the supernatural powers of an Aztec crystal skull, which
is also capable of reanimating the dead and opening portals into
other dimensions. Its true powers are tested readily when the skull
falls into the wrong hands, leading our heroes on a wacky
supernatural chase. The horror-comedy formula that kept the original
film's shaky premise afloat is far less functional here, filling the story
with silly contrivances that include a collection of pet monsters and a
time-travel romantic subplot. Still, the film has some clever moments,
mainly from Dano, who makes the most of his difficult character by
adding a cartoonish flair, and from Cheers alum John Ratzenberger's
amusing cameo turn as a plumber strangely accustomed to
cross-dimensional travel. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Running Time: 88 mins
Director(s):Ethan Wiley
Writer(s):Ethan Wiley
Theatrical MPAA Rating: PG13
bears little connection with its predecessor apart from the
participation of writer Ethan Wiley, who also assumed directorial
duties. This time around, the title abode is an old mansion inherited
by the great-great-grandson of its original owner, a legendary frontier
outlaw. The new owner, Jesse (Arye Gross), whose parents were
murdered in the mansion 20 years ago, unwisely searches the
premises for a cache of gems believed to be hidden there. With the
aid of girlfriend Kate (Lar Park Lincoln) and buddy Charlie (Jonathan
Stark), Jesse stumbles upon the original owner himself (Royal Dano),
who is remarkably still alive (albeit in particularly decrepit condition)
and cantankerous as all get-out. Great-great-grandpa has been
preserved by the supernatural powers of an Aztec crystal skull, which
is also capable of reanimating the dead and opening portals into
other dimensions. Its true powers are tested readily when the skull
falls into the wrong hands, leading our heroes on a wacky
supernatural chase. The horror-comedy formula that kept the original
film's shaky premise afloat is far less functional here, filling the story
with silly contrivances that include a collection of pet monsters and a
time-travel romantic subplot. Still, the film has some clever moments,
mainly from Dano, who makes the most of his difficult character by
adding a cartoonish flair, and from Cheers alum John Ratzenberger's
amusing cameo turn as a plumber strangely accustomed to
cross-dimensional travel. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Running Time: 88 mins
Director(s):Ethan Wiley
Writer(s):Ethan Wiley
Theatrical MPAA Rating: PG13