← Back to results
Poltergeist II: The Other Side
1986 91 min United States of America PG-13 16+
★5.6
Horror, Thriller
Director: Brian Gibson
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Teaser
Teaser
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
The Freeling family move in with Diane's mother in an effort to escape the trauma and aftermath of Carol Anne's abduction by the Beast. But the Beast is not to be put off so easily and appears in a ghostly apparition as the Reverend Kane, a religious zealot responsible for the deaths of his many followers. His goal is simple - he wants the angelic Carol Anne.
Budget:
$19M
US Gross:
$41M
Worldwide:
$41M
Starring
JoBeth Williams
Actor
Craig T. Nelson
Actor
Heather O'Rourke
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Visual Effects
Academy Awards 1987
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Horror Film
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Supporting Actress
Key opinion
Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a divisive narrative sequel that succeeds in retaining the original cast while failing to recapture the mysterious tension of the first film. Critics and audiences are split between those who appreciate the expanded lore and those who feel the departure of Spielberg and Hooper resulted in a less polished, tonally confused experience.
| Acting | The return of the original cast provides a sense of continuity that anchors the film despite the production turnover. | |
| Score | The score by Jerry Goldsmith is recognized as a professional and often effective contribution that maintains prestige. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for offering overly literal explanations that strip away the original's atmospheric mystery. | |
| Production | The shift toward 'Disney-style' visual effects and a blend of fantasy, horror, and comedy creates a disjointed tonal identity. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on pacing are split: some viewers find the slow, contemplative buildup frustrating, while others appreciate the atmosphere. |