House II: The Second Story

Written and directed by the versatile Ethan Wiley, who also wrote the screenplay for the first movie in the series, House II took a new direction. Rather than proceed with a continuation of the original story, Wiley chose to create an entirely new set of characters, in a House that had another story to tell. Often considered as a key contributor to the horror/comedy revolution, this Sean S. Cunningham production pre-dated the 'Goosebumps' style of children's entertainment and was criticised at the time for its slight confection.

However, with its recent release on Special Edition DVD, perspectives have changed and Wiley's imaginative and daring adventure is being described as "...more enjoyable than the original... The visuals are pretty cool... and impressive, considering the movie's modest budget." Apollo Movie Guide

"With as much fantasy adventure mixed in with horror, this amiable feature is in some ways fresher and more fun than its predecessor..." Film Score Monthly

"...sequel to the original benefits from Ethan Wiley's brisk directed elements of suspense, humor, and fantasy. John Ratzenberger puts in a funny appearance as an off the wall electrician, a sort of AC / DC W.C Fields." Newsday

"the film includes one of the greatest cameos ever to grace celluloid..." DVD Town

"The flick maintains a refreshingly throwaway attitude toward its lively material, emerging as a sort of EC Comics Meets Pee-Wee's Playhouse. Vet thesp Royal Dano (Trouble With Harry) does an excellent job as an exhumed old-timer." Daily News

"House 2 is an enjoyable follow up to the darker original. The fun, adventure and wonderful production design tap into all different genres..." DVDivas.Net

A cross between a western-horror-fantasy, a genre that Wiley himself is still pioneering, House II is a tale jampacked with alternative universes, pterodactyls, feuding wild-west zombified cowboys and one of the cutest creations in film history - the caterpuppy!! The watchable Ayre Gross and Jonathan Stark keep the movie ticking along nicely, whilst there are also great supporting roles for John Ratzenburger and 'Politically Incorrect's' Bill Maher as a smarmy record exec.

The House franchise was extremely lucrative, and although it managed to terminate itself with subsequent installments, the first two films at least are a mind bending place to visit! Watch out for the imaginative special effects like the skeletal horse ridden by Slim Reezor, sit back, and enjoy the ride pard'ner!