| | | | House II: The Second Story
(1987) |
chilling opening scene: two parents have their baby removed to safety from a House where they are soon murdered by a ghoulish Old West Cowboy named Slim Reezor (Dean Cleverdon).
Years later, Jesse (Ayre Gross),the baby is now grown to manhood, inherits the ornate old House and begins to discover its secrets.
By reading in the library, he soon learns that his great Grandfather (Royal Dano) is buried nearby with a magical crystal skull. Jesse and his pal Charlie (Jonathan Stark) decide to dig him up.
Oddly enough, Gramps isn't quite dead yet! He launches out of the coffin like a zombie, but quickly reveals himself to be a lovable 'old fart.'
Gramps moves into the house and the skull becomes the centerpiece of their fireplace. He warns Jesse and Charlie that they must protect it from the forces of evil. They grow fond of the old guy, and Jesse finally becomes part of a real family.
And you thought that was weird? Suddenly, from the dimensions beyond the mere walls of the House, our heroes find themselves drawn into a magical quest to protect the crystal skull.
Battling ancient aztec warriors, dinosaurs, zealous pterodactyls and of course, the return of Slim Reezor, the two cross time and space within the House. Aided by Bill Towner (John Ratzenberger) the tongue-in-cheek adventurer and electrician, the trio rescue a princess before Jesse must go it alone to avenge the death of his parents and get Gramps to safety...
 Don't forget that House II: The Second Story is now available to order on Widescreen DVD using our special 80s Retro Assistant...
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Written and Directed by the versatile Ethan Wiley, who also wrote the screenplay for the first movie in the series, House II took a new direction. Rather than proceed with a continuation of the original story, Wiley chose to create an entirely new set of characters, in a House that had another story to tell. Often considered as a key contributor to the horror/comedy revolution, this Sean S. Cunningham production pre-dated the 'Goosebumps' style of children's entertainment and was criticised at the time for its slight confection.
However, with its recent release on Special Edition DVD, perspectives have changed, and Wiley's imaginative and daring adventure is being described as "...more enjoyable than the original... The visuals are pretty cool... and impressive, considering the movie's modest budget." Apollo Movie Guide
"With as much fantasy adventure mixed in with horror, this amiable feature is in some ways fresher and more fun than its predecessor..." Film Score Monthly
"...sequel to the original benefits from Ethan Wiley's brisk directed elements of suspense, humor, and fantasy. John Ratzenberger puts in a funny appearance as an off the wall electrician, a sort of AC / DC W.C Fields." Newsday
"the film includes one of the greatest cameos ever to grace celluloid..." DVD Town
"The flick maintains a refreshingly throwaway attitude toward its lively material, emerging as a sort of EC Comics Meets Pee-wee's Playhouse. Vet thesp Royal Dano (Trouble With Harry) does an excellent job as an exhumed old-timer." Daily News
"House 2 is an enjoyable follow up to the darker original. The fun, adventure and wonderful production design tap into all different genres..." DVDivas.Net
A cross between a Western-Horror-Fantasy, a genre that Wiley himself is still pioneering, House II is a tale jampacked with alternative universes, pterodactyls, feuding wild-west zombified cowboys and one of the cutest creations in film history - the caterpuppy!! The watchable Ayre Gross and Jonathan Stark keep the movie ticking along nicely, whilst there are also great supporting roles for John Ratzenburger and 'Politically Incorrect's' Bill Maher as a smarmy record exec.
The House franchise was extremely lucrative, and although it managed to terminate itself with subsequent installments, the first two films at least are a mind bending place to visit! Watch out for the imaginative special effects like the skeletal horse ridden by Slim Reezor, sit back, and enjoy the ride pard'ner!
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House II: The Second Story - a title somewhat lost on UK audiences, this pun translates as 'The Second Storey' and won awards for best title of the year at the time of it's release. 
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Mentioned in Kevin Williamson's 'Scream 2' as arguably the best sequel ever, alongside Godfather Part II and Terminator 2 :-)
Ethan Wiley had the crystal skull made into his doorbell.
The house is the same as in the original 13 ghosts movie, the outside shots at least. -Thanks to Jasen Enzik
Only two people appeared in both House movies - Dwier Brown (Field of Dreams) as a solider/Jesse's father and the eternal Cop, Ronn Carroll.
Two different actors from tv's 'Cheers' appear in both movies. George Wendt as Harold Gorton in part I, and John Ratzenberger as Bill Towner in part II.
Both Ayre Gross and Jonathan Stark went on become part of the 'Ellen' show in different capacities.
Actor, Royal Dano, who played 'Gramps' can also be seen in the sci-fi comedy "Spaced Invaders" and the horror/comedy "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" -Thanks to Adam
Actor, Jonathan Stark, who played 'Charlie' has also appeared in the films "Fright Night" and "Project X" -Thanks to Adam
Ayre Gross has gone on to appear in a number of Hollywood films and top rating T.V. shows such as 'Ellen', 'The Outer Limits' and 'The Experts' in which he starred opposite John Travolta. -Thanks to Adam
The young lady (the virgin) who is bound and gagged near the end of the movie is former Playboy Playmate Devin DeVasquez. She must have liked the role because now she does bondage movies and photo spreads. -Thanks to Paul
Look out for the guy in the gorilla suit at the Halloween party, this is actually stunt man Kane Hodder, who is better known for his role as Jason in the later "Friday the 13th" sequels. -Thanks to Paul
Lar Park Lincoln who plays Jesse's girlfriend Kate also played the telepathic Tina Sheppard in "Friday the 13th Part 7 : The New Blood". -Thanks to Paul
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|  |  |  | | House II: The Second Story
Locations |
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 Featured Movie Location: The House
Wanna see the real life filming location used for The House in the movie? These scenes were actually shot at a college dormitory, located in Los Angeles, S. California. [New! Show Google Map]
The house is a dormitory for MT ST Mary's College (DOHENY CAMPUS). It it right next to ST VINCENT Catholic Church. It is refered to as "the castle". [Thanks to Alice]
Can you help? Do you know any of the Los Angeles, S. California (or any other) filming locations used for House II: The Second Story? [Please send them in]
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A beautiful finger-pickin, banjo pluckin, old-west score from Harry Manfredini who also scored the original 'House' movie.
From its opening bars, we are drawn into a unique atmosphere for this installment. It features an approach to the harmony that really suggests the fantastical vision of the film.
Although it is getting rarer, the score can occassionally be found, it was released on the Varese Sarabande label, cat no. VCD 47295 combined with the wonderful score to House (the first story).
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Soundtrack Available:
Used On CD
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