Since the first “Basket Case” was screaming for a sequel (?), Frank Henenlotter graces us with a follow up to the first cult classic. This time around we follow up with the exploits of those wacky homicidal conjoined freaks known as Dave and Belial. Henenlotter is in on the joke, even recasting original star Kevin Van Hentenryck, who shockingly hasn’t aged since the first film. His acting skills haven’t improved, either, but that seems to be part of what makes these “Basket Case” movies so loony and deranged. In either case, after being torn apart, Duane begins to feel a little stir crazy, especially now that he and Belial have discovered a massive home filled with deformed and grotesque humans run by the eccentric Granny Ruth.
She has an almost obsessive for her deformed children, and Duane catches the affection of her granddaughter Susan, who seems beautiful and dreamy upon first glance. “Basket Case 2” is short on narrative and really spreads itself thin, relying on a lot of goofy gags, and Annie Ross chewing every bit of scenery within biting range. Director Henenlotter has an obvious love for “Freaks” but never captures the inherent terror and emotional punch behind the aforementioned film. Much of the gore and grue are dialed own this time, in favor of a much more darkly comedic tone, and Henenlotter’s stamp can be seen all over this follow-up. Paired with some sub-par special effects, and a hilariously weird finale, “Basket Case 2” is definitely the follow-up with Duane and Belial fans want.
Instead now it’s in High Definition on Blu-Ray, thanks to Synapse Films. There’s also a reversible cover for collectors. Featured on the new edition of “Basket Case 2” is “The Man in the Moon Mask;” it’s a six minute chat from 2007 with actor David Emge. Emge, who is famous for his role in “Dawn of the Dead” shockingly plays the film’s freak “Half Moon” man, and is hidden beneath layers of make up during the film. “Beyond the Wicker” is a twenty two minute visit with make-up artist Gabriel Bartalos, who discusses in a crematorium Behind the Scenes footage, as well as an interview with one of the producers who discusses working on “Frankenhooker” and battles with the MPAA.