Key Insights

• Film Release: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 was released on August 22, 1986, as a sequel to the original horror classic.
• Unique Tone: This film is known for its blend of horror and black comedy, setting it apart from its predecessor.
• Director’s Vision: Tobe Hooper directed this sequel, bringing his unique style to the project despite budget constraints.
• Cult Following: Over the years, the film has developed a dedicated cult following, appreciated for its distinct approach.

On August 22nd, 1986, a sequel to one of the most influential horror films of all time was released 12 years after the original. It came out to mixed reviews and unsubstantial box office but hey, at least its grown a cult following over the years, right? It is probably the most divisive entry in this series even above part 4 and for me personally the only one that I’ve flip flopped on my opinion of it. It’s all about perspective with this one as the movie was directed by the original filmmaker, though as part of a creative deal to get him his passion projects, produced by one of the craziest movie studios to ever exist, and pulled a fast one on audiences by subtly slipping some comedy into this franchise of horror (I’m kidding about the subtlety by the way, its plastered with it). While we have already looked at the vast behind the scenes shenanigans of this strange trip, let’s look at what makes this such a unique experience on screen as we revisit the horror breakfast club, I mean The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.

A brief history on the film is necessary as it’s important. Tobe Hooper was originally supposed to only be a producer on the film at the tail end of his 3-movie deal with Cannon Films, but the studio couldn’t afford a director that he felt was right for the project. That deal is important because it also gave us space vampires with the Lifeforce in 85 and the Invaders from Mars remake early in 86. While Hooper will probably always be known for the first two Texas Chainsaw films and Poltergeist, he had a ton of these one-offs that are incredibly fun. We at the channel definitely have a soft spot for The Mangler but his whole career is worth exploring. This movie is also the reason we have so much Bill Moseley in our lives after he was able to get his short film parody shown to Hooper who promised him a role if there was ever a sequel. Thank you, Chop Top.

The movie is fairly straightforward in its approach. We get a sequel even in the opening crawl, though missing a paid in weed John Larroquette is a bummer, and it follows the Sawyer family that ends up killing a ton of people. What neither the studio nor the 1986 audiences expected was to be delivered a black comedy instead of a pulse-pounding horror film like its predecessor. If you watch the trailer, that’s EXACTLY what you should expect. In the 70 or so seconds that shows up on screen, you get a warning with a silhouette of a chainsaw and a ton of out-of-context scenes that show the scary or intense parts of the movie. Then we got the poster, and it is one of the best pieces of marketing still that has ever existed. It apes The Breakfast Club completely and yet still didn’t warn audiences enough of what they were getting into. Truth be told I HATED this movie the first time I saw it when I was on my initial horror journey, and you know what? In this quest to talk about the sequels this year on the channel, I kind of fell in love with it, and here’s why. The ambience, including effects, sets, music, and sound are amazing; the brief horror segments include one of the best jump scares of all time; and characters really elevate it to rarified air.

Let’s first look at what the movie offers in its ambiance or more accurately its style. The movie looks grimy but also very cool. Its use of color, both with giallo-like lighting at times that reminds me also of From Beyond and the very ’80s aesthetic is an outstanding way to show how colorful and bright a movie can be while also being in the horror realm. From color usage to overall look of the film, it walks a fine line between super dark and overly bright sometimes within the same scene timeframe. The look of underground slaughter pyramid somehow feels at once labyrinthian in its vastness and also claustrophobic to a devastating degree. I know I’ve said this before most recently in Hellbound: Hellraiser II, but how cool would this movie be as a horror movie maze? You could wander through Stretch and LG’s radio station and then get yourself turned around in an underground bunker filled with bodies and Sawyers. The sub-$5 million budget really went a long way with set design even if the entire movie only takes place in a handful of locations.

Not only are the multitude of bodies found in underground areas as terrifying as they are cool looking but they add credence to family and their never-ending slaughter. Tom Savini was in charge of make-up and FX and it shows. From excellent opening kill which includes both gnarly looking body that Leatherface holds in front of him for kill and partial decapitation to brutal fate of LG which encompasses his beating and unfortunate face skinning; it’s all incredibly well done and makes movie stand out even more than it could have under someone else’s tutelage. Unfortunately for us and Tobe Hooper there were many budgetary cuts that had to happen including some other Savini special effects. Even with that unfortunate news, movie looks best of original four in terms of gore and effects and even chainsaw. The final piece to what ends up being vibe of movie is radio station section in general. Not only does soundtrack rule for both diegetic and non-diegetic purposes but score rules too. Not only does it rule but took until this viewing to realize Tobe Hooper is credited as one of composers.

The vibe effects and setting all work but with dull characters it would all be for naught. I’m not saying that all characters are great mind you because they aren’t but confoundingly dumb or annoying characters can be just as valuable to movie as good ones. First former: The yuppies in beginning are annoying as hell so it’s fun cathartic experience to watch them get absolutely wrecked when they make mistake messing with wrong family. Their brief screen time is valuable in purpose; that’s ok. Now much more important part of movie is Dennis Hopper’s Lefty. In theory this could be meaningful character as he is looking avenge Sally Franklin from first movie but he becomes so unhinged kind annoying that he becomes waste. Seeing him picking out multiple chainsaws is so dumb it’s funny moment but inclusion feels wasted even if he does help Stretch defeat family get some revenge. Even when he finds remains Franklin wheelchair which looks great it just doesn’t have emotional impact probably meant have.

Now on other side coin we were given two characters that not only live on hallowed halls horror but also gave their actors eternal fame our favorite genre. Caroline Williams plays Stretch Bill Moseley plays Chop Top two them absolutely steal this movie away from their co-stars. This isn’t disparage Leatherface as this is only one walks line between horror humor correctly but he isn’t star here. Gunnar Hansen was reportedly set return cannibal role didn’t due couple different versions same story; as iconic as he is first movie I don’t think take character would have worked context this sequel. This viewing was also time I fell love Caroline Williams her character Stretch who not only stunning but one HELL final girl; her portrayal threads needle perfectly between victim hero while making everything feel very real believable; well as believable can be. Chop Top on other hand charismatic funny deeply terrifying both words actions; he somehow more frightening than even Leatherface this movie how assured he beliefs very original disgusting way eats skin off own metal plate covered scalp; chases Stretch end like running after main character Ari Aster movie genuinely terrifying; Moseley gave us character who never returned somehow stayed us more than most other sequel characters combined.

That horror also definitely there; while screenwriter L.M. Kit Carson gave us pitch perfect black comedy final product also has some real fright including one great jump scares all time; Carson doesn’t have any other horror his name; in fact he only has ten other credits period but gave us enough Hooper who knows thing two about scary movies was able deliver; horror isn’t all way through or even prevailing tone but boy when there announces itself; starts opening set piece while fun see yuppies get axed quite horrifying screen; truck sinister can’t see inside then you have horrifying Frankenstein stitched dead body top imposing Leatherface; while first movie doesn’t show much makes scarier half-decap still sight behold; near end you also get good chases Stretch running both Leatherface Chop Top one getting dangerously close very imposing chainsaw one chasing full speed like spider monkey.

The best part oddly something I hated when much younger is section radio station; it’s bit master class tension; even if haven’t seen movie before know something coming how much time spent there she plays tape opening kill which will draw them like bees honey; guess didn’t like how long spent station first couple times watched movie now see it asset; while chainsaw being held Stretch’s legs groin brutal beating LG great moments real winner more slow burn; Stretch comes downstairs find Chop Top acting like fan while creepily eats scalp coat hanger lighter; expect him do something creepy attack her but slowly creeps camera slowly creeps attention may drawn dark room behind them; asks about which could disarm you but then when light goes we treated one best jump scares ever; it’s earned too not cat scare fake scare sound cue scare honest God jump scare right there with The Exorcist III; you know one.

I was so pleased with what Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 meant me this go around; did I miss these things first time did just get better age perspective? Either way more than worth revisiting Vinegar Syndrome 4K best way go about it beautiful transfer more special features than could shake coat hanger at; let me know how feel soon I’ll jumping part three see if saw should stay family.

Two previous episodes of Revisited can be seen below; to see more our shows head over JoBlo Horror Originals channel – subscribe while you’re at it!