With practically double the runtime of the original film, Damien Leone's "Terrifier 2" sets out to be a more lengthy, ambitious, and terrifying movie than "Terrifier," the film that started it all through the memorable introduction of a new horror icon in Art The Clown. And while the first movie wasn't the most creative, with a light on story and high on violence approach that never differentiated itself any further from your ordinary uber-gory slasher, the character of Art managed to capture the attention and imagination of viewers and critics alike. The silent, but incredibly animated and expressive, mime proved to be a beloved villain through the juxtaposition of his quiet demeanor but loud actions - as they put so succinctly in this film, "For a guy who doesn't speak, he sure makes a lot of noise." Art's shenanigans continue in full force here, giving audiences more of what they expect, but maybe not exactly in the way they expected - "Terrifier 2" improves upon its predecessor through its more complex plot, especially as told through its character development of Lauren LaVera's character, Sienna.
A two hour and 18 minute run time is nothing to sneeze at, and director Damien Leone knows this - so he wastes no time in introducing the carnage that audiences expect from Art. Opening with a bloody bang, the film engages immediately, giving viewers just a taste of the madness that is to come. But where the first "Terrifier" keeps its momentum through a cat and mouse style rampage that features Art mutilating and murdering everyone in his path, "Terrifier 2" slows things down after its explosive start. With an actual plot this time around, contrasting against the original's more proof of concept style, "Terrifier 2" takes its time to build plot development through elongated dream sequences and true to life conversations, especially when it comes to the character of Sienna.
"Terrifier 2's" final girl, Sienna finds herself face to face with evil itself in the form of a psychotic clown. And you'd think that a basically all good, morally upright character would be a distraction from the film, but her good nature personality actually enhances the goings on, as she is a lawful good protagonist to contrast against Art's chaotic evil. Lauren LaVera was incredible in the role as a fierce heroine who can certainly stand her own against a formidable opponent - I can see her compared to characters such as Ellen Ripley and Laurie Strode, and her showdown with Art was endlessly entertaining and narratively satisfying. But alas! If you're watching "Terrifier 2," you're watching it for the over the top violence and gore - so let's talk about it.
When it comes to slasher film blood and guts, "Terrifier 2" is the real deal - I can't remember the last time I saw a movie this violent in theatres. Art rips people's eyes out, chops people's heads off, flays people alive, and scalps people, just to name a few things; if you are at all squeamish, you should not see this movie. However, if you enjoyed the first one for all of its darkly comedic brutality, you will certainly enjoy the upped ante here. All of the violence is disgusting and hard to watch, but it's all being done by a highly animated and over-exaggerated clown, which makes even the most horrific crimes bizarrely entertaining. You'll find yourself having a sort of sick smile on your face as Art makes his mark, and while you might feel yourself feeling guilty, you can't help but think that the movie is relishing in its carnage as much as you are.
"Terrifier 2" is a fun movie - it's by no means high art, and I don't think it is a classic by any means, but Art is certainly a horror icon and watching him in action literally never gets old. While more ambitious than the original, the plot still lacks real narrative heft besides, "There's an evil clown, and someone has to stop him." That said, the simplicity really does give way to some incredible horror set pieces that I will have burned into my memory for a long time. If you're a fan of the first film, or even if you're not and you are simply a fan of horror, you have to give this one a watch.
