A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) ***1/2 [Freddython 2021 Pt. 2]

Long before I was fully aware of the homoerotic and sadomasochistic tones of A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) (and all the divisiveness and discussion that that brings to this entry), I always just really enjoyed it. Yes, there are some weak elements, the tone can be uneven at times, and of course it's not nearly as good as its 1984 predecessor (my review here), but it's also got some excellent makeup, gore, and special f/x. Not to mention Mark Patton gives a fantastic performance (cheesy dancing and all) as Jesse.

While there are zany, laugh out loud moments in ANOES2 (and I love it for those too), Patton really does sell the portrait of a troubled (repressed) teen who can't control his mind or his body. Kim Myers is a strong and sympathetic character as well, even though the story doesn't give her too much to work with. Christopher Young, best known for his work on the first two Hellraiser films, (my reviews of those here and here) contributed a memorable score, which enhances the drama and brings the atmosphere to life.

Kevin Yagher, who would go on to work on the third (review) and fourth (review) entries (as well as the Freddy's Nightmares (1988–1989) television series), refined the Krueger makeup established in the first film, and—combined with the dark lighting—exhibited a truly disturbing Freddy in this sequel. Mark Shostrom (who has worked on a bajillion awesome horror movies) created the film's unforgettable transformation sequence. I also really like the scenes where Freddy's "finger-knives" are literally part of Jesse's hand, as opposed to being attached to the famous glove. Even though it can appear a tad cheap, there is a certain charm to the dingy look of ANOES2. The film often feels dirty, which provides a great contrast to the vivid pop aesthetic of many other ‘80s films of the time.

It may have been a somewhat rushed and maligned sequel, Robert Englund may have taken a slight backseat (though he still gets a few choice one-liners, including one sampled in the Chemical Brothers song “Electronic Battle Weapon 7”), and not every choice in the film works, but I commend director Jack Sholder (1987's super fun The Hidden—my review here), writer David Chaskin, and Mark Patton for making a unique entry in the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise. 

ANOES2 is now a cult classic that has received a fair amount of attention and reappraisal over the years (more recently thanks in part to the 2019 documentary Scream, Queen! My Nightmare On Elm Street). While I understand that Wes Craven was opposed to (and turned down the offer to direct ANOES2 because of) Freddy merging with the main character (something I personally love) and manifesting in real life (something I'm not that bothered by), there will always be a place in my heart for Freddy's Revenge.

You can find my Nightmare On Elm Street Films Ranked list here.