Poltergeist II: The Other Side Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The Freelings, still haunted, move in with Grandma, where they battle a tequila worm-induced demon and a creepy preacher who really needs a hug, all while one kid’s braces turn evil.

🍿 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Relocation and New Beginnings

The Freeling family, consisting of Steve, Diane, Robbie, and Carol Anne, move to Phoenix, Arizona to live with Diane’s mother, Grandma Jess, after the traumatic events in Cuesta Verde. They seek a fresh start, hoping to escape the supernatural forces that haunted them. Steve struggles to find work, while Carol Anne continues to exhibit psychic abilities.

The Return of Kane

Reverend Kane, the malevolent entity, resurfaces, seeking to claim Carol Anne. He appears in ghostly form, tormenting the family and attempting to break their spirits. Taylor, a Native American shaman and friend of Tangina, arrives to help the Freelings, recognizing the danger Kane poses.

Confrontation and Possession

Kane’s influence intensifies, leading to a terrifying sequence where Steve becomes possessed after consuming a Mezcal worm. He attacks Diane, but her love and strength help him overcome the possession. The ordeal culminates in Steve vomiting a monstrous creature representing Kane, which Taylor repels using spiritual power.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Diane Freeling (JoBeth Williams): The mother of the Freeling family who possesses a strong psychic connection to the supernatural.
• Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson): The father of the Freeling family who struggles to protect his family from the persistent supernatural threats.
• Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O’Rourke): The young daughter who is targeted by the evil spirit Reverend Kane due to her psychic abilities.
• Robbie Freeling (Oliver Robins): The teenage son of the Freeling family, who is protective of his younger sister, Carol Anne.
• Kane (Julian Beck): The primary antagonist, a malevolent spirit of a deceased preacher who seeks to possess Carol Anne.
• Tangina Barrons (Zelda Rubinstein): A psychic who returns to assist the Freeling family in their fight against the evil forces.
• Taylor (Will Sampson): A Native American shaman who aids the Freeling family with his spiritual knowledge and abilities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kane: “You’re all gonna die in there! All of you! You are gonna die!” – Kane hauntingly screams this at the Freeling family from outside their home, emphasizing his malevolent intent.
• Taylor: “The power of love can be a strong weapon.” – Taylor explains to the Freeling family how their love for each other can protect them from evil.
• Kane: “God is in his holy temple. Earthly thoughts be silent now.” – Kane sings this hymn in a deceptively calming way, creating an eerie atmosphere as he approaches the Freeling’s home.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,996,665
• Worldwide Gross: $40,998,097

💥 Poltergeist II: The Other Side Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being both scared and confused. The tequila worm scene definitely scarred me, and Julian Beck as Kane was genuinely terrifying. It’s not as good as the first movie, but it has its moments. I also appreciate that the sequel continues the family dynamics from the first movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original Poltergeist movie.”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s horror films.”
  • “Those who enjoy films with supernatural themes and special effects.”
  • “Fans of actors Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams.”
  • “Viewers interested in the character of Reverend Kane.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scary scenes and images.”
  • “Thematic elements involving death and the afterlife.”
  • “Some violence and intense moments.”
  • “Scenes of possession.”
  • “Deceased actor (Julian Beck) portrays an evil character.”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Lacking the charm and scares of the original, Poltergeist II relies too heavily on special effects and a convoluted plot, failing to recapture the family dynamic that made the first film so compelling. Julian Beck’s performance as Kane is a highlight, but it’s not enough to save this sequel.
• AllMovie: “Despite retaining much of the original cast and crew, Poltergeist II struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessor. While the special effects are impressive for their time, the story feels rushed and the scares are less effective. Julian Beck is genuinely creepy, though.
• TV Guide: “While not as terrifying or groundbreaking as the first, this sequel does offer some genuinely unsettling moments, thanks to Julian Beck’s portrayal of the villainous Kane. The special effects are ambitious, but the plot is muddled, and the overall impact is diminished.

Audience Reactions

Julian Beck’s portrayal of Reverend Kane is chilling and unforgettable.: Viewers agree that Kane is the scariest part of the film and a standout horror villain.

The special effects are creative and ambitious for the time.: Many praise the visual effects, especially the ‘vomit creature’ scene, even if they find them somewhat cheesy today.

Overall Consensus: Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a flawed sequel that fails to live up to the original, but is still watchable for its performances and special effects.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dominique Dunne, who played Dana Freeling in the first film, was murdered shortly after its release. Her character was not recast in ‘Poltergeist II’ out of respect for her memory.”
• “Actor Julian Beck, who played Reverend Kane, was battling stomach cancer during filming. His gaunt appearance contributed to the character’s unsettling look.”
• “H.R. Giger, known for his work on ‘Alien,’ contributed conceptual designs for the film’s creatures, though the final designs were altered during production.”

🖥️ How to Watch Poltergeist II: The Other Side?

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may also be part of subscription packages.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Poltergeist II: The Other Side, you might like these similar films:

• Poltergeist (1982): Direct sequel set immediately after the events of the original.
• The Amityville Horror (1979): Explores a family terrorized by malevolent supernatural forces within their home.
• A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987): Features a group battling a supernatural villain who invades their dreams.
• Insidious (2010): Modern horror film where a family confronts demonic entities to rescue their child’s spirit.
• The Changeling (1980): A bereaved man confronts the angry spirit haunting his new home.

🛒 Poltergeist II: The Other Side Related Products

• Poltergeist (4K UHD) [4K Ultra HD]: Experience the original Poltergeist in stunning 4K UHD. Witness the terrifying events that started it all with enhanced picture and sound quality, making it a must-have for horror fans.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Poltergeist – Carol Anne: Add this adorable, yet eerie, Funko Pop! figure of Carol Anne to your collection. A perfect reminder of the innocence threatened by the supernatural forces in the Poltergeist universe.
• Poltergeist II: The Other Side Movie Poster: Own a piece of horror history with this classic movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or horror collection. A great conversation starter for fans of the series.
• Poltergeist II [Blu-ray]: Watch Poltergeist II in the best possible quality with this Blu-ray edition. Experience the horror with enhanced visuals and sound, bringing the Other Side to life in your living room.

🎧 Soundtrack

Poltergeist II: The Other Side features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “The Power of Jess” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “Carol Anne’s Theme” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

01. Henry Kane (Horror Icons Top 50)

Henry Kane is #1?! This video argues that the terrifying reverend from Poltergeist II is the ultimate horror icon. Honestly, it’s a pretty convincing argument, you might be surprised!

Was The Poltergeist Movie Set Really Cursed?

Ever heard about the Poltergeist curse? This video dives into the eerie rumors and real-life tragedies that plagued the cast and crew. Spooky stuff, even if you don’t believe in curses!

Henry Kane

Did you know the actor who played Henry Kane passed away before Poltergeist II even hit theaters? This short video highlights the story of Julian Beck. It’s always a bit haunting knowing this when you watch the movie.

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