House II: The Second Story (1987)

0% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
37% of users liked it
(7,971 ratings)

This sequel to New World Pictures' surprise horror hit bears little connection with its predecessor apart from the participation of writer Ethan Wiley, who also assumed directorial duties. This time around, the title abode is an old mansion inherited by the great-great-grandson of its original… More This sequel to New World Pictures' surprise horror hit bears little connection with its predecessor apart from the participation of writer Ethan Wiley, who also assumed directorial duties. This time around, the title abode is an old mansion inherited by the great-great-grandson of its original owner, a legendary frontier outlaw. The new owner, Jesse (Arye Gross), whose parents were murdered in the mansion 20 years ago, unwisely searches the premises for a cache of gems believed to be hidden there. With the aid of girlfriend Kate (Lar Park Lincoln) and buddy Charlie (Jonathan Stark), Jesse stumbles upon the original owner himself (Royal Dano), who is remarkably still alive (albeit in particularly decrepit condition) and cantankerous as all get-out. Great-great-grandpa has been preserved by the supernatural powers of an Aztec crystal skull, which is also capable of reanimating the dead and opening portals into other dimensions. Its true powers are tested readily when the skull falls into the wrong hands, leading our heroes on a wacky supernatural chase. The horror comedy formula that kept the original film's shaky premise afloat is far less functional here, filling the story with silly contrivances that include a collection of pet monsters and a time-travel romantic subplot. Still, the film has some clever moments, mainly from Dano, who makes the most of his difficult character by adding a cartoonish flair, and from Cheers alum John Ratzenberger's amusing cameo turn as a plumber strangely accustomed to cross-dimensional travel. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Ethan Wiley
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 28, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Jun 25, 2002

Critic Reviews

Jonathan R. Perry, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
If fewer critics were to decry how bad it is, this in-name-only sequel would succumb to the obscurity it deserves.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...apparently there's a rule that these House flicks have to feature a star of Cheers, because instead of George Wendt, John Ratzenberger (he played know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin) pops up as a mysterious handyman.
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
If nothing else, one of the great titles for a sequel
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
A goofy, lightweight, paper-thin, schizophrenic mess.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jason O

"House 2 - The Second Story" isn't a horror movie like the first one, it's a horror/comedy. Jesse digs up his great-great-grandfather from his grave and finds out he's still alive. Gramps tells Jesse and Charlie about a lost skull that he has to have.… More
"House 2 - The Second Story" isn't a horror movie like the first one, it's a horror/comedy. Jesse digs up his great-great-grandfather from his grave and finds out he's still alive. Gramps tells Jesse and Charlie about a lost skull that he has to have. That's when the adventure finally begins. Jesse and Charlie find a jungle in the house and must find the skull before it's too late. "House 2" isn't a bad movie, but it's not nearly as good as the original in my opinion. The storyline suffers a lot when you compare it to the first movie in the series. What saves the movie from being a failure is that parts of it are pretty funny, especially the part where Jesse has to wrestle with a Teridacto. Some of the things you'll remember from the movie are Gramps and the caterpillar dog. All in all, I was a little bit disappointed with "House 2" because it wasn't anything like the original "House" movie, it doesn't have any scary or suspenseful parts in it. But it did keep me entertained throughout most of the movie. If you like horror movies with a touch of comedy, I would recommend watching "House 2." NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000.
Lafe F

I used to dislike this movie, but I now appreciate it as a nice comical contrast to the original House movie. It offers a nice story of a house with rooms leading to different time zones: mixing prehistoric monsters with old wild west heroes and outlaws. Like the first House movie,… More
I used to dislike this movie, but I now appreciate it as a nice comical contrast to the original House movie. It offers a nice story of a house with rooms leading to different time zones: mixing prehistoric monsters with old wild west heroes and outlaws. Like the first House movie, there's also a nice family connection to the haunting. Quality stuff. John Ratzenberger makes a funny appearance as a treasure hunter for hire.
Dean M

This sequel comedy-horror is not bad, and John Ratzenberger's quite funny in this film. A series of humourous and mysterious events lead a young man and his best friend to exhume the grave of the young man's great-grandfather, who is magically still alive.
Jason S

More of a comedy than the first one. Different cast in a different house.
Jim W

I loved this movie as a kid and now that I finally seen the first film, I still prefer this one. I found it fun, but if I watch it now I'd probably hate it.