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Poltergeist II

Play trailer Poster for Poltergeist II PG-13 Released May 23, 1986 1h 32m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
20% Tomatometer 56 Reviews 35% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The Freelings have escaped their haunted house, which is now being studied by paranormal investigators, including shaman Taylor (Will Sampson). When Taylor realizes that the Beast, masquerading as the Rev. Kane (Julian Beck), knows where young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) now lives, he goes to warn the family that their daughter is in danger again. To protect Carol, her father, Steve (Craig T. Nelson), and the rest of the family must plot to take down the Beast.
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Poltergeist II

Poltergeist II

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Critics Consensus

They're back, but this hollow sequel retains none of the charm or suspense that made the original Poltergeist such a haunting specter.

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Critics Reviews

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Debra Oswald Sydney Morning Herald The annoying thing is that the movie doesn't make sense. Poltergeist II doesn't stick to its own supernatural rules and leaves lots of loose ends waving in the breeze. Rated: 1/5 Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Alexander Walker London Evening Standard It's a tacky tale of terror. It creates no plausible atmosphere, but springs its shocks indiscriminately. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Neil Jillett The Age (Australia) Not much of the first film's tincture of humor is revived, but most of the tiresome mumbo-jumbo routines get another going-over. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …Poltergeist II sticks closely to the first film’s structure, doing most of the same spooky things but not as well…. Rated: 2/5 Oct 8, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Pretty lousy. Rated: 1.5/4 Mar 21, 2023 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) The original Steven Spielberg-Tobe Hooper Poltergeist was an effective shocker. Gibson's sequel is a maudlin, religiose affair. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (662) audience reviews
Jonathan O Poltergeist 2 is one of those unnecessary horror sequels but this sequel is really creepy, scary and emotional movie. And one of the creepiest scary horror villain by the late actor Julian Beck and he's performance is so kind and scary and Jerry Goldsmith's score really gives more chills and saving this sequel but also some of scripts makes sense and others are not especially to one of the actress who was murdered by he's boyfriend and not a lot of extras in Grandma Jess neighbors but is way better than poltergeist 3 because 3rd was a huge disappointment and only two original cast returns so both poltergeist and poltergeist 2 are your two movies to recommend. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/01/24 Full Review Mandy S I really liked the first film but this is definitely my favourite, I can't understand how it's got such low scores. I have watched it so many times and Kane still freaks me out Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/12/24 Full Review Tanisha R I thought this was the worst until I saw part 3. The story is not needed and it doesn't make any sense. The house was possessed originally and now the old house wants Carol Anne back. But why? Who cares, it's dumb. One gross scene that had my attention and that's it. The acting and effects are terrible. Don't watch the ending because that's where this movie really fails. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/04/24 Full Review Teddy B The main antagonist may be enjoyable (to a certain extent), but the rest of the film could have done with much more time and money. This film's script is the antithesis to the first with tepid dialogue and thin characters. The effects are also a noticeable downgrade in comparison. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/19/24 Full Review Jacob B The story may not be as strong as the original movie but as far as horror goes, Poltergeist 2 is superior in every way. The reverend was a fantastically creepy addition to the film. His appearance alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. Another scene that really stands out is the swallowing of the tequila worm and the legless monster that follows. A great cast of characters all around, especially in regards to the native indian and the "magic munchkin" who aid the family in their war against the evil spirits that haunt the family. A late 80's horror classic that never gets old. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review Jules N Ennuyant mais heureusement qu'il y a un point positif qui est le révérend qui est plutôt terrifiant dans cet opus Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Poltergeist II

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Poltergeist II

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Possessed Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Possessed 2:13 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Chainsaw Attack Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Chainsaw Attack 2:03 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Kane Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Kane 2:32 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Vomit From Hell Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Vomit From Hell 1:14 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Braces Attack Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Braces Attack 2:01 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Diane's Nightmare Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Diane's Nightmare 0:35 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - The Bottle Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - The Bottle 2:35 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Mind Control Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Mind Control 4:06 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Final Resting Place Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Final Resting Place 1:55 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Good vs. Evil Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Good vs. Evil 2:09 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis The Freelings have escaped their haunted house, which is now being studied by paranormal investigators, including shaman Taylor (Will Sampson). When Taylor realizes that the Beast, masquerading as the Rev. Kane (Julian Beck), knows where young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) now lives, he goes to warn the family that their daughter is in danger again. To protect Carol, her father, Steve (Craig T. Nelson), and the rest of the family must plot to take down the Beast.
Director
Brian Gibson
Producer
Michael Grais, Mark Victor
Screenwriter
Mark Victor, Michael Grais
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Freddie Fields Productions, Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 23, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.8M
Runtime
1h 32m
Sound Mix
Surround
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