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| Photo credit: blu-ray.com |
by Bone Jawnson
Upon the release of Basket Case (1982), writer, and director Frank Henenlotter was adamant that no sequel would be made. The idea for the sequel came up sarcastically when Henenlotter was having a conversation with his friend, and movie producer, James Glickenhaus. Thus, we now have Basket Case 2.
This movie has a very different vibe than its original namesake. It picks up immediately during the ending incidents of the first movie and launches good ol' Beliel and his detached bro, Duane, into a sort of "rescue house for freaks." Without giving away too much of the plot, they are essentially hiding out and attempting to live a life away from mainstream society. Beliel is introduced to an attic full of freaks, who quickly accept him as one of their own, especially the one who develops googly eyes for him.
This viewing took me a little while to get into, as it seemed there was an attempt to create a larger storyline than I thought would be necessary. The budget was much higher ($2.5 million) than the original ($35,000 thousand) hence better production value for makeup, costumes, sets, etc. Initially, I wasn't becoming invested in the film; however, Annie Ross's genuine performance as Granny Ruth really roped me in. On the surface, she was running a safe house, of sorts, for various "freaks" that their parents gave up or she saved over the years. Looking at the film a little deeper, it was very cool to see a character that was so dedicated to ensuring outcasts of society lived a loving, fulfilling, inclusive life around people that genuinely cared for them.
I will be concluding the Basket Case series next week when I view and review "Basket Case 3: The Progeny." Stay tuned and be sure to follow me on my Facebook page for the latest updates!