Basket Case 2
Frank Henenlotter admits to being fueled by Jolt Cola during the filming of [ Frankenhooker (1990)\ and this film, to the point where Jolt Cola agreed to sponsor them, with there being publicity photos of the freaks drinking Jolt Cola and wearing Jolt Cola brand clothing.,After a scene in the kitchen where Duane is wearing a blue shirt he turns to leave the room and is suddenly wearing a yellowish shirt during the last shot of the scene, which was clearly shot on at a different time on a different day. Not too long after the kitchen scene he is back to wearing the blue shirt.,Granny Ruth: I understand your pain, Belial, but ripping the faces off people may not be in your best interest.,Edited from Basket Case (1982),Dai Campi, Dai Prapi
from "Mefistofele"
Written by Arrigo Boito (as A. Boito)
Performed by Charles Rudolph,Basket Case 2 (1990)

** (out of 4)

Duane (Kevin Van Hentenryck) and his deformed brother managed to survive the ending of the previous film. After they escape their hospital room the duo are taken in by a woman (Annie Ross) who gives shelter to the deformed. Once at their new home the two try to settle in with other freaks but a pesky news woman (Judy Grafe) won't leave them alone.

BASKET CASE wasn't the greatest movie ever made but it contained a certain atmosphere and a certain look at the sleazy side of New York City that it was impossible to ignore. This sequel had a much bigger budget, is a lot less sleazy and has a completely different look but it's unique enough to where it's entertaining in its own way. Director Frank Henenlotter certainly doesn't like making "normal" movies and this one here has enough strangeness for two films.

Again, if you're expecting the look or feel of the original then it's best that you don't even bother with this sequel. What I enjoyed most is that they try to make this sequel pick up exactly where the original left off, which isn't something a lot of films try. I think for the most part it works but, again, it was impossible for them to get the look of the first film simply because times had changed by the time this was made. The deformed creatures here are also a lot different in that each of them has a terrific look, although none of them will be mistaken for humans. The special effects are excellent and you truly get some great imaginations at work with the creature design.

Performances are actually better than you'd expect with Van Hentenryck doing a very good job in the lead. Fans of DAWN OF THE DEAD will be happy to see David Emge playing Moon Face. BASKET CASE 2 features some pretty tame violence up until the ending, which I won't spoil but it packs a nice little punch.,