Citizen Kane.
We’ve been all over the ’80s this month! First, we traveled to 1986 to discuss the “slasher” April Fool’s Day, then we went forward a year to 1987 (via a 2000 lens) to hang with Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Last week, we made a brief detour to 1936 (via a 2005 lens) to celebrate 4/20 with the cast of Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical! Now we’re heading back to 1986 to dig into Brian Gibson‘s Poltergeist II: The Other Side.
In the film, the Freeling family once again find themselves under attack from supernatural forces attempting to claim their daughter Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke). This time it comes in the form of the spirit of an insane preacher (Julian Beck) who led an apocalyptic cult during the 19th century. In their efforts to save their daughter, the family find help in a Native American shaman (Will Sampson), an old friend of Tangina’s (Zelda Rubinstein).
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Episode 70 – Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
We’re joining forces with Tyler Jensen and Roman Chimienti, the directors of the superb (and queer!) documentary Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street, in Phoenix Arizona (and later Orange Country, California) to discuss the “Other Side” in the 1986 sequel Poltergeist II: The Other Side!
After spilling the tea on last year’s live episode on A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, we dive into Brian Gibson’s sequel that at least tries to do something different (as opposed to repeating the most successful parts of the original film). Is it wholly successful? That matter is up for debate, as the film holds a special place in Roman’s heart, while it was a first-time viewing for us.
Join us as we discuss Reverend Henry Kane (Julian Beck), the villain that terrified a generation of children. Also up for discussion are the diminished roles of Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) and Tangina (Zelda Rubinstein), the laughable effects of the 3-minute-long climax in the titular Other Side and what it means to live a “normal” life.
It’s not all bad, though! We admire the chemistry and charisma of the film’s co-leads Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams, the superb practical effects (that vomit monster!) and the historical importance of the film’s release during the Night Stalker’s reign of terror.
Cross out Poltergeist II: The Other Side!
Coming up on Wednesday: We’re “celebrating” the 10th anniversary of the 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street!
– Joe & Trace
P.S. Check out this month’s article on 1981’s Looker. You can find all of the old articles here.
P.P.S. As an added bonus, if you subscribe to our Patreon you can listen to bonus episodes! Since every new horror release has been delayed, we decided to go with a home invasion theme this month, so you can listen to full-length episodes on The Strangers and Mike Flanagan’s Hush!