Pet Sematary II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After mom gets zapped on a movie set, angsty teen moves to spooky town and decides to resurrect his dead mom, leading to a zombie outbreak…again.

🍿 Pet Sematary II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Moving to Ludlow

After witnessing his mother’s tragic accidental death on a film set, Jeff Matthews and his father, Chase, a veterinarian, relocate to Ludlow, Maine. They hope for a fresh start, unaware of the town’s dark secrets and the eerie presence of the Pet Sematary. This move sets the stage for the supernatural events to unfold.

Friendship and Discovery

Jeff befriends Drew Gilbert, a young boy living with an abusive stepfather, Gus. Drew shares the local legends about the Pet Sematary and the mysterious burial ground beyond it, capable of bringing the dead back to life. Driven by curiosity and grief, they decide to test the legend when Drew’s dog, Zowie, is killed.

The Return of Zowie and Gus

Burying Zowie in the ancient burial ground has horrifying consequences. The dog returns, but is aggressive and violent. When Zowie kills Gus, the boys, in a panic, bury Gus in the same place, leading to even more terrifying results. The resurrected Gus becomes a menacing figure, terrorizing the town.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jeff Matthews (Edward Furlong): A troubled teenager grappling with his mother’s death, he becomes entangled with the dark secrets of Ludlow’s burial ground.
• Chase Matthews (Anthony Edwards): Jeff’s father and a veterinarian, he moves to Ludlow seeking a fresh start but faces supernatural horrors.
• Gus Gilbert (Clancy Brown): Drew’s abusive stepfather and the town’s sheriff, he becomes a malevolent force after being resurrected.
• Drew Gilbert (Jared Rushton): Jeff’s friend, Drew, is a troubled boy who lives in the shadow of his abusive stepfather and experiments with the Pet Sematary.
• Renee Hallow (Darlanne Fluegel): Jeff’s deceased actress mother whose tragic death sets off a chain of events when Jeff attempts to resurrect her.
• Clyde Parker (Jared Rushton): A school bully whose cruelty escalates after being buried in the ancient burial ground.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gus Gilbert: “No brain, no pain… think about it.” – Gus says this to Drew in a menacing way, foreshadowing his violent and unfeeling nature, and later after his resurrection.
• Renee Hallow: “Dead is better!” – A variation on the original film’s iconic quote, delivered by Jeff’s reanimated mother as she becomes increasingly malevolent.
• Jeff Matthews: “Dead is better!” – Jeff screams this iconic phrase as his undead mother burns, echoing the first film and emphasizing the horror of resurrection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,092,453
• Worldwide Gross: $17,092,453

💥 Pet Sematary II Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Pet Sematary II’ is definitely not as good as the first one, but I have a soft spot for it. Clancy Brown is absolutely amazing as the resurrected sheriff; he steals every scene he’s in! I remember being so creeped out by him as a kid! Yes, the plot is a bit silly, and the gore is way over the top, but it’s still a fun, cheesy horror movie that I can watch over and over. Plus, Edward Furlong! He was everything back then.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 90s horror movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy gore and practical effects”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of grief and loss”
  • “Clancy Brown fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Animal violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Abuse”
  • “Sexual abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Though visually arresting at times, ‘Pet Sematary II’ lacks the emotional depth and narrative coherence of its predecessor. Clancy Brown delivers a memorable performance, but it’s not enough to save this over-the-top sequel from its own excesses. The film relies too heavily on gore and shock value, sacrificing suspense and character development in the process.
• The New York Times: “‘Pet Sematary II’ is a misguided attempt to recapture the horror of the original. The plot is convoluted, the characters are underdeveloped, and the scares are cheap and predictable. Even Edward Furlong’s presence can’t elevate this film beyond its B-movie origins.
• Los Angeles Times: “While ‘Pet Sematary II’ doesn’t reach the heights of terror found in the first film, it does offer some genuinely creepy moments. Clancy Brown is brilliant. The movie’s biggest strength is its willingness to embrace its own ridiculousness, resulting in a so-bad-it’s-good viewing experience. Just don’t expect anything profound.

Audience Reactions

Clancy Brown’s performance as Gus is both terrifying and hilarious.: While not as scary as the original, it still delivered some fun 90s horror vibes.

The gore and special effects are surprisingly well-done.: Worth a watch for fans of over-the-top horror flicks.

Overall Consensus: A campy and gory sequel that, while not as acclaimed as the first, has gained a cult following for its over-the-top nature and Clancy Brown’s memorable performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Mary Lambert also directed the first ‘Pet Sematary’ film, making her one of the few female directors to helm a horror franchise.”
• “Unlike the first film, ‘Pet Sematary II’ is not based on a Stephen King novel, allowing for a departure from the source material and a more original storyline.”
• “Edward Furlong’s casting came shortly after his breakthrough role in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, adding to the film’s appeal among young audiences.”
• “The film features more graphic violence and gore effects than its predecessor, aiming for a different kind of horror experience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pet Sematary II?

Pet Sematary II is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options. For physical media, look for Blu-ray or DVD copies at online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pet Sematary II, you might like these similar films:

• Pet Sematary (1989): The original film that established the mythology and themes explored in the sequel.
• The Return of the Living Dead (1985): A horror-comedy exploring similar themes of reanimation with a darkly humorous tone.
• The Sixth Sense (1999): Focuses on a child dealing with supernatural elements and difficult emotional issues after the death of a parent.
• I Bury the Living (1958): Explores the psychological horror of believing one’s actions can cause death and resurrection.
• Child’s Play 2 (1990): Follows a child haunted by a murderous toy, which like Pet Sematary deals with the horror of unnatural resurrections.

🛒 Pet Sematary II Related Products

• Pet Sematary Two [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray disc of ‘Pet Sematary II’, featuring remastered visuals and audio. Relive the campy horror in crystal-clear quality, including behind-the-scenes features for dedicated fans. A must have for cult-horror enthusiasts.
• Clancy Brown Autographed Photo – Pet Sematary II: A professionally printed photograph of Clancy Brown as Gus in ‘Pet Sematary II’, personally autographed by the actor. Authenticity guaranteed with a certificate of authenticity. Display your love for this cult classic with a unique piece of memorabilia.
• Pet Sematary II – Limited Edition Poster: A high-quality, limited-edition poster featuring the original ‘Pet Sematary II’ movie artwork. Printed on premium archival paper, this poster is perfect for framing and displaying. A valuable addition to any horror movie poster collection.
• Pet Sematary II T-Shirt – ‘No Brain, No Pain’: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring a quote from Sheriff Gus Gilbert in ‘Pet Sematary II’. Made from soft, durable cotton, this t-shirt is perfect for everyday wear. Show off your love for this cult classic with a touch of dark humor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pet Sematary II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’ve Got Spies” – performed by Dramarama
• “Poison Heart” – performed by The Ramones
• “Reverence” – performed by The Jesus and Mary Chain

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Exploring The Horror Behind PET SEMATARY (Book & Film)

Ever wondered what makes Pet Sematary so terrifying? This video dives deep into the themes of the book and first movie. It’s a great watch to understand what the sequel is really about!

Pet Sematary II (1992) Carnage Count

Want to see just how gory Pet Sematary II gets? This video counts all the deaths, and it’s surprisingly entertaining to see them all lined up. Pretty fun if you ask me.

✨ Rate