‘Psycho II’ Review: Masterful Follow-up to All Time Great Film or Typical Watered Down Horror Sequel Cash Grab?

The need to sequel a horror movie is like the need to tip. It’s annoying, it’s unwanted. And it’s expected.

While it’s obvious for garbage slashers and modern cash grabs, how do you follow one of the literal greatest films of all time two decades later?

“Psycho II” hit theaters in the summer of 1983; 23 years after the legend Alfred Hitchcock blew audiences away with the original.

Directed by Richard Franklin, and written by Tom Holland, the film featured the return of Vera Miles as Lila Crane Loomis and the great Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates.

23 Years Later

“Psycho II” opens with the iconic shower scene from the original film. It’s here just in case you forgot or weren’t born to witness it in 1960. Remember, VCRs were not yet common and there was no YouTube. Note – you must watch the original film to understand any of Part 2.

Norman Bates is being released from a mental institution, despite murdering seven people. Lila Crane Loomis is at the courthouse protesting the decision to set Norman free. “Our country protects the criminals.” She exclaims in disgust. Not the victims.”

Norman returns to the iconic Bates Motel. His therapist Dr. Bill Raymond (Robert Loggia) works at easing the transition back to normal life. He explores the grounds, and his old house, but soon hears the haunting voice of his mother, beckoning him to do evil things.

Fun Cast

It’s wild to see Anthony Perkins reprise the role after 23 years. I haven’t seen Perkins in anything else, so Norman Bates is all I know of him. The transition to color from the opening flashback is nice. Once again, he doesn’t disappoint.

Perkins owns and plays crazy with effortless ease. Norman Bates is normalish, for the most part. Perkins includes subtleties and a calming demeanor that conceal his true twisted intentions.

Vera Miles stars in one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes. Its fun that she reprised her role rom “Psycho” after decades and is a great addition to the film. It’s nice to see at the time of writing this that she is still going strong at age 96.

The cast is complete with the great Robert Loggia, who is always fun to watch. Meg Tilly (younger sister of Jennifer) playing Mary, a potential love interest for Norman. And an unknown Dennis Franz who is perfect as the sleazy manager of the Bates Motel.

A Modernized Take

“Psycho II” took 23 years to come out. Nowadays, it would have been in production before Janet Leigh’s ill-fated shower.

There are nice homages in 113 minutes of time. Most of the story is set at the notorious Bates Motel and adjacent Bates house. There’s a shower scene with the Meg Tilly character. And one scene perfectly mirrors the Martin Balsam death from 1960.

In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock refrained from excessive gore. This time, the slasher style of the early 80s is on display with several gruesome and comical deaths.

And the score. Good Lord. I feel like I’m becoming an old man who hates music in movies. The once legendary Bernard Herrmann accompaniment is handled by Jerry Goldsmith this time, and it’s brutal. I read that John Williams was considered, which would have been bottom-feeding.

Who Should Watch?

“Psycho II” isn’t bad but it’s not great either. And coming as a follow-up to near perfection, it’s an uphill battle from jump.

Fans of the original will enjoy the return of characters and places they’re familiar with. Those who enjoy interesting sequels; 39 years between “The Shining” and “Doctor Sleep,” 53 years between “Return of the Killer Shrews” 1 and 2. The 23 year gap here is kinda cool.