Director Chris Lee’s Goblin II picks up 5 years after the events of Goblin. While the original was written by Rosa Parnake, this entry does not have a credited screenwriter. Is that a worrying sign, or some strange, overlooked quirk?
Ashley Rene returns as Sam, the abused wife who let the goblins eat her husband. Her biggest issue now is that her son, Sam (Houston Towe), is a teen and not interested in talking to her about much. However, young Jake (Maddox Simmons), while he doesn’t talk much, is fun. Unfortunately for the family, Donny (Joe Cummings) unexpectedly shows up on their doorstep. He’s the twin brother of Sam’s dead husband (who was Jake’s father) and leaves everyone scared of what he’ll do. Between Donny’s intrusion and the fact that the goblins are still around, tensions in the house skyrocket again. Is Donny as bad as his brother? With things escalating, will the goblins begin eating people again?
Goblin II is a very independent production, possibly a micro-budget. This means the editing is not as tight as it could be; a number of shots last a second or two too long before the next begins. The computer-generated imagery bringing the goblin and wildlife to life lacks detail. All the CGI creations are smooth and lightweight.
“Between Donny’s intrusion and the fact that the goblins are still around, tensions in the house skyrocket again.”
However, what makes the film work is the story. Exploring how one deals with death, even when it’s someone who deserves it, is engaging. Going into the natural tendency of teens to disengage from their parents creates natural tension between the mom and her eldest son. It also allows viewers to understand where the leads are coming from before Donny and other external elements set things in motion. Exploring Sam looking for love in Jim (Eric-Lee Olsen) and Sam’s burgeoning relationship with classmate Sydney (Lux Elizabeth) adds a real sweetness that nicely juxtaposes the more sinister moments.
Rene is likable and easy to root for. She sells each moment well and has decent chemistry with her on-screen children. Cummings is menacing from his first scene and remains creepy throughout. Towe has a few scenes where he’s stiff, but for the most part, he sells the world and story believably. Olsen is so cartoony it would be off-putting if he weren’t so charming doing it.
Goblin II is very low-budget and has all the flaws implied by that: imperfect editing, so-so effects, and occasionally iffy acting. But the cast is pretty good for the most part, with no one embarrassing themselves, even when they are flat at times. But it is the narrative and the weight the characters have that make this a compelling watch.
For more information, visit the official Goblin ll site.
"…the narrative and the weight the characters have that make this a compelling watch."
