After 17 years, writer-director Robert Newman brings forth a sequel to his independent horror feature Clown. Aptly titled Clown 2, this horror-comedy follows Devyn (Gabrielle Deleo), who is escaping a bad relationship. To that end, she and her best friend, loud-mouthed Jill (Jolee Holder), go to stay with Aunt Connie (Kirsten Koenig). However, the duo is hardly in town for a minute before they stumble upon a human skull. Their report to Detective Oxnard (Jesse Kyriss) goes well enough until the kooky aunt barges in.
With that behind them, Devyn and Jill get settled in. Things get even more relaxing and nice when Devyn’s old friend Trent (Ben Bettis) stops by for a visit. He invites them to a party, and the friends readily agree to attend. While Trent and Devyn are having a good time, Jill is mouthing off to everyone and even gets into an altercation. But as everyone is leaving, one of the attendees is attacked and killed by a clown. This is not the first clown murder that has happened in these parts. Weirdly, all signs point to Devyn’s mysterious family history as the reason for them, and that they began again once she arrived does not paint the best picture for Devyn or Jill.
Including credits, Clown 2 runs a hefty 2 hours and 18 minutes. This is where the film stumbles. Many scenes feel pointless or go on too long. Why did the clerk at the police station just not understand what the girls were saying? Is the “rude employee also being the manager of the store” joke still being used? That particular scene could be cut without missing anything. The party scene with Jill just being mean is amusing, sure, but what does it add to the plot or characterizations?
“…everyone is leaving, one of the attendees is attacked and killed by a clown. This is not the first clown murder that has happened in these parts.”
Happily, aside from a bit of dragging, the film is tons of fun. Most of the humor is effective, especially when it centers on Aunt Connie. Her eccentricities are always funny. The characterizations for Devyn, Connie, and Trent are genuinely deep and engaging. Devyn’s confusion over her past grounds the plot. The mixture of horror, drama, and comedy is surprisingly strong, with only the dated or off-putting jokes messing with the atmosphere.
Deleo sells every twist and mystery presented before her. Holder’s character might be obnoxious, but the actor plays the part with energy and is a lot of fun to hate. Bettis is charming enough and has real chemistry with Deleo. Koenig is hysterical; everything she says is hilarious. Kyriss exudes authority, and a little bit of menace, which helps pepper in some later story beats without the surprise reveal feeling abrupt.
Clown 2 could easily have 10 to 15 minutes cut out of it. Trimming a few scenes and excising a handful would improve the pacing and allow tighter control over the generally good atmosphere. But the impressive characterizations, most of the comedy, and the rising body count all keep viewers engaged despite the flaws. Plus, the actors all understand the kind of movie they are in, and play their parts with panache.
For more information, visit the official Clown 2 Facebook page.
"…the actors all understand the kind of movie they are in..."
