Movie Monday: House II: The Second Story (E329)
Summary
Hosts Spencer and Jason review the 1987 anthology film *House II: The Second Story*, discussing its shift from horror to adventure-comedy. They analyze the plot involving interdimensional portals, a crystal skull, and a zombie ancestor, while praising the cast including Ari Gross and John Ratzenberger. Listeners share nostalgic appreciation for the film’s buddy dynamics and potential as a tabletop RPG setting, despite its pacing flaws.
Topics discussed
Intro: Jesse James, crystal skull, and show focus
House 1 vs House 2: Anthology format and opening scenes
Plot escalation: Digging up Gramps and the temple house
Portal fantasy elements and initial movie critique
Nostalgia for House 2 and producer Sean Cunningham
Cast breakdown: Bill Maher, John Ratzenberger, and horror icons
PG-13 rating confusion and RPG adaptation potential
Critique: Subplots, fighting skills, and tone issues
Nostalgia, slurs, and director Steve Miner connections
Listener feedback: Magic, portals, and horror atmosphere
Plot holes: Gramps' resurrection and skull protection
Charlie's character and 80s action adventure vibes
Call of Cthulhu campaign ideas and fight scenes
Buddy dynamic, Bill Maher, and stop-motion effects
Host banter: Corrections, chronology, and hangover
Temple of Doom vibes and production quality praise
Comedy moments, zombies, and dinosaur/caveman clash
Creature effects, horse categorization, and Gramps' death
Rankings, generic sidekick, and Dark Crystal comparison
Re-watchability, skull ratings, and Paris 2 comparison
Time travel preferences and Southwest Sofa snacks
Outro: Anthology summary and next month's movie Clue
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