If simply its field workplace numbers had been thought of, then The Stepfather would have remained a standalone film. Nevertheless, the 1987 cult flick in the end discovered an viewers after tanking in theaters; it went on to turn out to be a significant success on each video and tv. So the manufacturing firm behind the unique film, ITC, went forward with placing cinema’s deadliest daddy again on the massive display. The urgent query on the time although, was whether or not or not Terry O’Quinn would return. And if he did, how would his character even come again?
John Auerbach, whose sole screenwriting credit score is Stepfather II, was put accountable for bringing the deadly father determine again from the lifeless. Like anybody else in his place, Auerbach assumed he can be penning a prequel, on account of the truth that O’Quinn’s character was killed on the finish of the primary film. Quite the opposite, this new story was a direct continuation. One the place Jerry Blake not solely survived his grotesque end, however he additionally discovered himself one other weak and fatherless household to prey on.
Horror sequels are decried by default, but there was extra vocal disapproval than ordinary when Stepfather II — subtitled Make Room for Daddy — was first introduced. The unique film, regardless of its lack of rapid success, was critically accredited; O’Quinn was particularly praised for his efficiency. A important concern, concerning the sequel, was taking out Jerry’s sense of thriller. Being so puzzling was why he intrigued in addition to intimidated audiences.
Stepfather II has its fanbase, albeit a much smaller one than that of the primary film, however those that do get pleasure from this second installment could also be grateful that Auerbach and director Jeff Burr (The Offspring, Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Bloodbath III) stored the story comparatively grounded. Regardless of the title character escaping what seemed to be an unequivocal demise, he didn’t reappear by way of supernatural means. In hindsight it may need been extra plausible to tug a Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers, what with this being a cash-in sequel from the ‘80s. As a substitute, the true strangeness was saved for the third entry within the franchise; to permit for a brand new actor to take over for O’Quinn, Stepfather III acquired an entire new face à la cosmetic surgery.
Picture: Terry O’Quinn as Gene in Stepfather II.
As soon as the primary sequel will get its absurd setup out of the way in which — at a psychiatric hospital, Jerry performed the lengthy recreation and gained — O’Quinn’s character resumes enterprise. Versus hightailing it overseas, Jerry does what any film madman in his frame of mind may do; he repeats his insane actions within the hopes that the result will by some means be completely different. This second outing has the serial killer going about issues the identical as earlier than, kind of, though his pursuit for what he deems old school values are challenged in new and uncharted territory.
Now borrowing the identify of a lately deceased man named Gene Clifford, Jerry’s newest persona is impressed by the therapist he offed earlier. The household killer additionally trades Seattle for a suburb of Los Angeles. To be extra particular, a seemingly quaint deliberate group referred to as Palm Meadow Estates. But as “Dr. Clifford” will get to know his realtor-turned-fiancée Carol (Meg Foster, They Stay), her teenage son (Jonathan Brandis), and their colourful neighbors, he quickly realizes that is something however a healthful place. At the least not within the eyes of somebody as old school as O’Quinn’s character. From fellatio humor to premarital intercourse to machismo checks, this quack has a tough time adjusting. And, in fact, that conflict of non-public values solely results in one other violent standoff.
John Record, a person who murdered his household in 1971 earlier than then disappearing, was a real-life inspiration for The Stepfather. These first two motion pictures are additionally, indubitably, satirical commentary on American society since Ronald Reagan took workplace. Gene is a Reaganist caricature; he does every little thing and something to protect so-called household values. The sequel exhibits Gene compromising his rules to maintain up the phantasm — sleeping with Carol earlier than marriage — along with his customary bursts of brutality. And when Carol’s greatest pal Matty (Caroline Williams, The Texas Chainsaw Bloodbath 2), a single, childless and assertive girl, stands in the way in which of Gene’s happiness, he naturally removes her together with Carol’s philandering ex-husband (Mitchell Laurance).
Picture: Terry O’Quinn and Meg Foster in Stepfather II.
The phrase “pointless” is thrown round when speaking about Stepfather II. Does this sequel rehash its predecessor? Sure, certainly, however Jerry/Gene is a person dominated by patterns. To interrupt from them would really be some sort of progress. This second film, nonetheless, slowly and barely peels again the layers of its villain, a person who has no single identification anymore. As director Burr demonstrated with a manifestation of that interior disarray, one the place O’Quinn is gazing upon his a number of reflections, this collection’ namesake is sort of a strolling funhouse of mirrors. There isn’t a telling what’s actual anymore as this man seems to be again at himself. And Auerbach’s script, flaws and all, faucets into the principle character’s complexity now and again. To assist make the central character examine much more noticeable, the film makes use of the backdrop of much less simplistic, not fairly so sterile, and trend-chasing SoCal to carry out these alien responses in Gene.
Selection stated this film “reduces the intriguing premise of the unique Stepfather to the extent of an inconsequential, tongue-in-cheek slasher movie.” As a counterargument, the sequel undoubtedly reiterates the identical story as earlier than, solely now utilizing the acquainted to emphasise the unhappiness intrinsic to O’Quinn’s position. To think about somebody so trapped in their very own futile pursuit of perfection is miserable. Particularly when the ending is thought from the beginning. Jerry, Gene, or no matter he needs to be referred to as, is at his most pathetic right here. To seize that wretchedness is, maybe, unwarranted, nonetheless, as up to date tradition confirms with its enthusiasm for true crime, there’s a nagging want to grasp human anomalies like The Stepfather.
In a bid to draw a much bigger viewers turnout than earlier than, the studio aimed for a much less psychological horror film with Stepfather II. Reshoots on the request of the higher-ups had been completed with out Burr or O’Quinn’s involvement, thus resulting in some poorly shot inserts of blood and violence that drag this entry down into the schlock pit. Figuring out this and the brand new route of the collection, O’Quinn elevated the ill-received and oft low-grade sequel with one other substantial efficiency. That alone ought to warrant a watch. And in all frankness, the film is just not even remotely near being the black sheep of the Stepfather household.
Stepfather II is now streaming on SCREAMBOX.
Picture: Terry O’Quinn, Meg Foster and Jonathan Brandis in Stepfather II.
