Psycho II (1983)

I first saw this movie as a horror loving kid, and I loved it. But then, as a grownup, I was reluctant to watch it again since so many films I loved as a kid turned out to be junk, after all. Since I'm a big Meg Tilly fan, I kinda wanted to keep my good memories... so I watched it again, for the same reason (go figure).

Well, it was even better than I remembered. Anthony Perkins gives a truly moving performance, and it's an accomplishment in itself considering the fact that it's an 80's horror movie - not to mentioned the legacy of the first. But the actor proposed a completely convincing continuation of the character. And yes, Tilly is quite good; not at all your average damsel in distress. I wish she'd consider a comeback (she was the ultimate wicked step-mom in Body Snatchers).

All in all, a very nice surprise, and certainly no disgrace to the original.

Fmovies: A Sequel to Alfred Hitchcock's Cult-Classic 'Psycho', 'Psycho II' lives up-to the expectations & turns out to be A Terrific Sequel! Also, Anthony Perkins once again plays Norman Bates, amazingly.

'Psycho II' Synopsis: After twenty-two years of psychiatric care, Norman Bates attempts to return to a life of solitude... but the specters of his crimes -- and his mother -- continue to haunt him.

'Psycho II' has a superior start, middle & end. The Thrills are top-notch! Tom Holland's Screenplay is gripping & very well-written. Richard Franklin's Direction is eerie & unsettling. Cinematography is good. Editing is sharp. Art Design is excellent.

Performance-Wise: As mentioned before, Anthony Perkins once again plays Norman Bates, amazingly. He's impeccable in here! Vera Miles is first-rate. Meg Tilly is impressive. Robert Loggia leaves a mark. Dennis Franz is passable.

On the whole, 'Psycho II' is a High-Class Sequel, that Thrills, Scares & above all, Entertains Big Time!

Safe to say that Psycho II suffers from all the prejudices possible. Numberless elements could be used as an excuse to avoid this movie and to place it among other pointless and money-making sequels. Brought out 22 years after the original masterpiece by Hitchcock himself, I can imagine that many fans refuse to give a subjective look at it. Very wrong, though!! Number two is a very worthy and underrated sequel, which brings perfect homage to the Master of Suspense best film. Even though Franklin can't fully live up to Hitchcock's style, he shows a pretty intense and mind-blowing story here. Franklin obviously worships Hitchcock (which was also clear in one of his previous films - Patrick) and this sequels is made with nothing but respect and goodwill. The very creative script - written by Tom Holland - has more than enough positive aspects and perplexing twists to consider the entire movie a triumph. Sure, some of the twists are far-fetched but overall the continuation of the Psycho couldn't be better. It actually takes place 22 years later with Norman Bates judged sane and released from the mental institution. Some people immediately want to forgive and forget but some others are convinced that Norman will soon go crazy again. This last group of people also has a complete plan worked out to make Norman snap again. Soon there are people dying again in the infamous Bates ' Motel but who is the vicious murderer this time??? Psycho II manages to keep you guessing the entire movie and the terrific acting performance by Anthony Perkins keeps you even closer to the screen. If you were a fan of the original masterpiece ( and I can't imagine anyone isn't a fan of that ), make sure you catch this sequel too!! There were made two more sequels after this but you can easily skip then....and whatever you do...keep your hands off the Gus Van Sant remake of 1998. I wish I had!!

Psycho II fmovies. Picture talks about Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) who has finally been released from the mental asylum where he has been for many years . But he's chased by mistress Loomis (Vera Miles), sister of Marion (Janet Leigh) Crane (murdered previously in the shower). His preceptor doctor (Robert Loggia) will help him for the return . He goes back to the Bates motel and the mansion and the assassinations begin happening again . Meanwhile , he meets an enticing Young (Meg Tilly) who's invited to stay at home . The doctor (Loggia) will try to solve the awful and ominous killings .

The movie is plenty of grisly murders , stabbing shots , horror , suspense , shocks and great load of blood and gore but also a little of dark humor . It's a sequel to Hitchcock's classic continuing cleverly the plot (scripted by Tom Holland) of the former film . In 1960, psychosis (1960) made over 32 million dollars in worldwide box office returns where as this film made over 34 million dollars . The original house set was used and the motel was reconstructed . The killer/Perkins does an authentic slaughter and are utilized in the gruesome and creepy murders axe , knife , cleaver until the amazing final carnage . The motion picture was rated ¨R¨ for crude and brutal killings and scabrous violence and isn't apt for squeamish but abounds blood and guts . Anthony Perkins makes a terrific acting in his classic role . He'll be forever Norman Bates . Jerry Goldsmith music is good , but he copies to Bernard Herrmann classic score . Dean Cundey cinematography is excellent . The film , shot in 32 days , was well directed by Richard Franklyn who has made various fine terror movies (Patrick , road games , visitors) .

Psycho II is a fine follow up to Hitchcock's original, Anthony Perkins returns as Norman Bates After twenty-two years of psychiatric care he returns to the Bates motel the scene of his previous crimes. But the sister of one of his victims Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) Vera Miles vows revenge on him and plots to send him back to the asylum, Bates befriends the troubled Mary (Meg Tily) and the pair form a friendship which see's the troubled girl reside with Bates at the motel. Psycho II has some fine suspenseful scenes and also some clever gore which remains typical of the 'slasher' period and their are some clever twists and turns which are clever.

With the gory slasher craze in full swing, it's not all that surprising that the early 1980s saw the return of Norman Bates, the granddaddy of all knife wielding psychos; what is surprising is how good this belated sequel turns out to be.

Rather than simply mimicking the dumb 'teenagers in peril' format so popular at the time, Psycho II actually proves to be an intelligent sequel worthy of the original, benefiting from a smart script by Tom 'Fright Night' Holland that introduces clever twists and turns aplenty, excellent direction from Richard Franklin, who respectfully pays homage to Hitchcock's genius while adding in some nifty tricks of his own, and terrific performances, with cutie Meg Tilly impressing as 'girl in peril' Mary, and Perkins putting in a wonderfully twitchy central turn as neurotic nut-job Norm.

It was always going to be a very tall order for the film to measure up to the original classic, but this is an extremely good effort, providing atmosphere, thrills, a couple of inventive kills, some dark humour, and one hell of a memorable ending. Hitchcock would have been proud. Oh, and for those wondering if lovely Meg Tilly strips off for a shower sceneÂ…. yes, she does (a body double providing the T&A), but unlike Janet Leigh, she makes it out of the bathroom alive.