Poltergeist II

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Poltergeist II

PG-13

Released May 23, 1986

1h 32m

Horror

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Popcornmeter

20%

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56 Reviews

35%

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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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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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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

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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

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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

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Pretty lousy.

Rated: 1.5/4

Mar 21, 2023

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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

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Farah R

I don't like the original Poltergeist, so I don't know why I bothered watching the sequel. It's shockingly worse than the first.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/22/24

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Jorge W

Poucas coisas novas. Uma continuação que faz o mesmo do primeiro, infelizmente, os efeitos envelheceram....

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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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

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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

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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

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Brian Gibson

Director

JoBeth Williams

Diane Freeling

Craig T. Nelson

Steve Freeling

Julian Beck

Kane

Heather O'Rourke

Carol Anne Freeling

Oliver Robins

Robbie Freeling

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Possessed

2:13

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Chainsaw Attack

2:03

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Kane

2:32

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Vomit From Hell

1:14

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Braces Attack

2:01

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Diane's Nightmare

0:35

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - The Bottle

2:35

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Mind Control

4:06

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Final Resting Place

1:55

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Good vs. Evil

2:09

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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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