Cast
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Lois Chiles
as Annie Lansing
George Kennedy
as Ray Spruce
Dorothy Lamour
as Martha Spruce
Daniel Beer
as Randy
Jeremy Green
as Laverne
Page Hannah
as Rachel
Don Harvey
as Andy Cavanaugh
David Holbrook
as Fatso Gribbens
Stephen King
as Truck Driver
Holt McCallany
as Sam Whitemoon
Frank Salsedo
as Ben Whitemoon
Paul Satterfield
as Deke
Tom Wright
as The Hitchhiker
Tom Savini
as The Creep
Domenick John
as Boy Billy
Crew
Director
- Michael Gornick
Producer
- David Ball
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
Oh yeah, this had a PROFOUND effect on me as a child and not only because it made me want a wooden Indian... and still honestly want one. But also because the stories were just fun.
Scary fun when you are a little kid. Not so scary fun when you are an adult, but... fun. I grew up in rural America in the 80s, parents really didn't censor, they would take you to see Robocop and Nightmare on Elm Street, because there was more faith in children then.
Somehow that became wrong.
I don't really remember going to see this in the theater. I do remember seeing a cartoon of the lake segment. I do remember catching this on HBO one weekend, and I totally remember renting it for sleep overs.
And it ALWAYS was a win, especially when you know the other kid hadn't seen it yet. It was like Evil Dead II in my high school years. They haven't seen it yet? Yeah, we are renting that, you are going to love it.
So it still has that place in my heart and, when I watch it, it is still fun. It is still imaginative. It is still entertaining.
Jan 10, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Creepshow 2 presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael Gornick brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Creepshow 2 took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2008 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Creepshow 2 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Witch, which focuses more on action than character development, Creepshow 2 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Ex and Porch Pirates explore similar territory, Creepshow 2 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 1, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $3,500,000
- Revenue: $14,000,000
Where to Watch
