Tabloid reporter Howard (Johnson), Nicopernicus the Hatian Cabby (Simmons), and Neil the Dorky Horror Movie Fan (Smith) return to the monster-infested town of Nilbog to rescue Howard's photographer from the evil Dr. Noches (Barber). Along the way, they fight zombies, sexy vampires, more zombies, Mr. Sniffles and Evil
Incarnate. "Skeleton Key 2: 667 -- Neighbor of the Beast" is everything that "Skeleton Key" was... and then some. And I do mean everything, as the film follows mostly the same plot as the original, insane comedy that was "Skeleton Key", but switches out some of the monsters and gives the villain Dr. Noches a larger role, leading to a slightly more traditional feel. (And I do mean slightly... because while "Skeleton Key 2" has more funny songs, more jokes--of all kinds ranging from cute to sophomoric to gross-out--and more sexy women in various states of undress, it is also even crazier than the first film.) The original "Skeleton Key" was a little slow in reaching the heights of insanity it would originally get to, but writer/director John Johnson gets right down to business with this one. The faux bad movie-making is more polished here than in the original film--it's crystal clear that the film is "bad" on purpose--and the spoof of horror films is a little broader this time, so viewers who are consumers of films beyond the bottom layer of the indie film industry will more readily find something to laugh at in this film. Of course, many of the laughs are of the "I know I shouldn't laugh at that, but DAMN is that funny"-variety, but they are generated in an extremely hilarious movie. The stars of the original film are back and they've honed their characters to an even higher point of hilarity. Liam Smith is even more annoying as Neil--something I would never have imagined given how irritating he was in the first film--but he's also funnier. Johnson's deadpan and underplayed Howard, an almost-sane island of calm in the middle of the unpredictable swirling madness of the rest of the movie is also funnier, partly because everything else is stepped up a notch but also because even Johnson has an opportunity to ham it up when Howard becomes a vampire at one point in the film. You'll note that I've not said anything about the plot of the movie. That's because the plot makes little sense and because the characters seem to FORGET about the plot for most of the film's running time (just like the characters in 80% of the crappy horror and suspense films you'll come across). It has something to do with Dr. Noches creating the perfect companion for himself (while still making other monsters), as well as giving Howard the chance to put his Evil Side to rest once and for all. But it's really just an excuse for the cast to deliver outrageous jokes while chewing up the scenery. If you enjoy films like "Airplane!", I think you'll like "Skeleton Key 2". I think it's a movie that will bring a welcomed touch of craziness to a Halloween party or a Bad Movie Night... just don't show it around kids or the easily offended. Aside from plenty of bare breasts, the film features a musical number titled "When You Got the Shits." It's lowbrow humor of the lowest kind, but it's probably also a song you don't want an 11 year-old roaming the house singing at the top of his lungs! :) Skeleton Key 2: 667 -- Neighbor of the BeastStarring: John Johnson, Jay Barber, Liam Smith, David Simmons, Chris Jenkins and Codo the DogDirector: John Johnson
October 29, 2008
