Making a sequel to a film from long ago might not be out of the ordinary these days, but no one would have expected the 1984 slasher The Mutilator to be in the running. Having gained a bigger cult following when Arrow Video released the film on Blu-ray, it’s less forgotten now. With only his second time out helming a movie, original director Buddy Cooper surpasses expectations with this meta sequel that delivers the goods for fans of the first movie and packs enough bloody fun to keep modern gorehounds happy.
Forty years after the first film, the actors involved return for the sequel’s wrap party. Mixing with the new picture’s stars, they soon find themselves under attack from a hooded assailant brandishing various fishing hooks, axes, and knives who is clearly influenced by the movie.
Taking the wise decision to play the sequel as a knowing comedy while not skimping on the admittedly impressive and fun gore, Cooper has managed to make a film that is arguably more enjoyable than the original. The returning cast gamely plays along with things without having to wink at the audience.
MUTILATOR 2 screened at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.
