Psycho II (1983)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Richard Franklin

Writers:

Tom Holland (written by)
Robert Bloch (characters created by)

Release Date:

3 June 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

It's 22 years later, and Norman Bates is finally coming home

Plot:

After twenty-two years of psychiatric care, Norman Bates attempts to return to a life of solitude... but the specters of his crimes -- and his mother -- continue to haunt him.

Plot Keywords:

Motel | Death | Female Nudity | Telephone Call | Murder

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Anthony Perkins	...	Norman Bates
Vera Miles	...	Lila Loomis
Meg Tilly	...	Mary Loomis
Robert Loggia	...	Dr. Bill Raymond
Dennis Franz	...	Warren Toomey
Hugh Gillin	...	Sheriff John Hunt
Claudia Bryar	...	Mrs. Emma Spool
Robert Alan Browne	...	Ralph Statler
Ben Hartigan	...	Judge
Lee Garlington	...	Myrna
Tim Maier	...	Josh
Jill Carroll	...	Kim
Chris Hendrie	...	Deputy Pool
Tom Holland	...	Deputy Norris
Michael Lomazow	...	D.A.

Also Known As:

Psicosis 2 (USA: Spanish title)
Psycose 2 (USA: Spanish title)

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:R (Nova Scotia) | Spain:13 | Canada:18A (Ontario) | Iceland:16 | Italy:VM14 | Netherlands:16 | Australia:M | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Finland:K-18 | France:-12 | Norway:16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (original rating) | UK:18 (video rating) | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Bakersfield, California, USA

Company:

Oak

Trivia:

Director Cameo: ['Richard Franklin']sitting playing a video game in the diner that Norman works in.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Dr. Raymond pulls up to the house and motel.

Quotes:

Norman Bates: Just, don't let them take me back to the institution.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in Eminem: E (2000) (V)

Soundtrack:

Piano Sonata Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight'

Ranks as #1 in the "better than you'd think"- category

Safe to say that Psycho II suffers from all the prejudices possible. Numberless elements could be used as an excuse to avoid this movie and to place it among other pointless and money-making sequels. Brought out 22 years after the original masterpiece by Hitchcock himself, I can imagine that many fans refuse to give a subjective look at it. Very wrong, though!! Number two is a very worthy and underrated sequel, which brings perfect homage to the Master of Suspense best film. Even though Franklin can't fully live up to Hitchcock's style, he shows a pretty intense and mind-blowing story here. Franklin obviously worships Hitchcock (which was also clear in one of his previous films - Patrick) and this sequels is made with nothing but respect and goodwill. The very creative script - written by Tom Holland - has more than enough positive aspects and perplexing twists to consider the entire movie a triumph. Sure, some of the twists are far-fetched but overall the continuation of the Psycho couldn't be better. It actually takes place 22 years later with Norman Bates judged sane and released from the mental institution. Some people immediately want to forgive and forget but some others are convinced that Norman will soon go crazy again. This last group of people also has a complete plan worked out to make Norman snap again. Soon there are people dying again in the infamous Bates ' Motel but who is the vicious murderer this time??? Psycho II manages to keep you guessing the entire movie and the terrific acting performance by Anthony Perkins keeps you even closer to the screen. If you were a fan of the original masterpiece ( and I can't imagine anyone isn't a fan of that ), make sure you catch this sequel too!! There were made two more sequels after this but you can easily skip then....and whatever you do...keep your hands off the Gus Van Sant remake of 1998. I wish I had!!