THE STEPFATHER II: Make Room For Daddy

 

The STEPFATHER II: Make Room For Daddy = B 

While still a B, STEPFATHER II actually slightly surpasses THE STEPFATHER as an overall suspense thriller of the 80's. The film was better directed, with a better flow and pace than the first film.  While the previous film seemed to slow down with unnecessary plot points, everything weaved together in this sequel to come together better as a collective.  It was also clear that Terry O'Quinn committed to the role more so here than he did in the original. Seemed more comfortable and natural in the part. Seasoned and experienced.  The synopsis was a bit misleading as the Jonathan Brandis character was not the investigator, making the relationship between Step-parent and Stepchild much different than the relationship was in the first film.  Which leads me to my only criticism of the film.  Jerry didn't seem as clever or sly in this film as he did in the last. It would only stand to reason that he would get better at his craft, not worse. Yet it did seem that way. 

The film was a bit tongue in cheek, which with such a plot you would almost have to be, but it took itself seriously enough to at least attempt some serious thrills and chills. Not much more to say about this other than Meg Ryan is such a fascinating woman.  As a kid she scared the bejeezus out of me.  Those eyes of her and that voice.  I was scared to death of her.  Now I find her intriguing. Attractive, mystical and mysterious.  It's amazing how our perceptions change over the years.