In 2016 writer/director Justin M. Seaman unleashed his love letter to campy horror films from the 80’s with his critically adored film, The Barn. The Barn quickly captured the dark hearts of horror fanatics. The grainy style of the film mixed with a fun monster mash up script brought back the glorious yesteryear of horror cinema that was pure fright fun. Fans of the film clamored for more and six years later, creator Seaman takes audiences back to The Barn. A cast of industry icons, Doug Bradley (Hellraiser,) John Bloom (Joe Bob’s Drive-In,) Llyod Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger,) joins franchise staples, Ari Lehman (Friday the 13th,) and Linnea Quigly (Night of the Demons,) added to the anticipation of this long-awaited sequel. Can Seaman recreate the magic of the original film, or will this sequel join the long line of follow up film letdowns?
Three years after five teens went missing, the ban on Halloween is finally lifted in Helen’s Valley. Now in college, Michelle (Lexi Dripps) attempts to finally put that horrible night behind her while honoring her missing friends by hosting a haunted house. Michelle’s sorority sister, Heather (Sable Griedel,) is the sister of Josh, one of the teens that went missing. Together, the duo desperately wants to bring back the festive spirit of Halloween while raising money for charity for their sorority. By honoring the traditions of the season, the visitors of the haunt unleash the demonic creatures that went on a blood-thirsty rampage three years earlier. With new friends and new tricks up their sleeves, the creatures return with bloody revenge on their satanic minds. Diabolically desperate to kill the one that got away and take their full vengeance on the town of Helen’s Valley.
The Barn 2 is everything and more than a horror sequel should be. The film stays true to the style and camp that made the original an instant classic while bringing in new lore and jacking up the action-packed carnage. The star-studded cameo cast is a blast to watch while final girl Dripps leads the narrative with another terrific performance. Seaman presents another throwback style piece with artistic perfection, while putting together a solid script with pulse pounding pace. Industry icon Joe Castro lives up to his reputation with some of the best practical effects that have been presented in years. The Barn 2 is the rare sequel that not only supersedes the original but adds more allure to the first film. The Horror Nation just needs to keep knocking three times so we can get a third film in this fantastic franchise very soon.
Scream Score: 9/10