Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies – Film Review

Director Jack Sholder attempts to create another unsettling supernatural journey in Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies, the sequel to the successful 1997 cult hit Wishmaster. This follow-up movie incorporates fantasy, horror, and comedic elements, just like the first, while adding its own dose of uniqueness. Unfortunately, though the attempt at differentiation is commendable, it often lacks the cohesive direction and intriguing characterization seen in the first movie, giving it a somewhat inferior quality.

The narrative picks up soon after the first movie, and as with the original, revolves around the menacing djinn (genie) character. He is unintentionally summoned during a botched art theft in an interesting turn of events. The djinn, masterfully played by Andrew Divoff, spends the majority of the film masquerading as a human while seeking to release his brethren from their inter-dimensional prison. However, his need to grant three wishes to the woman who freed him (Holly Fields), sets up a challenging conundrum and offers the main plot’s point of contention.

Divoff returns as the Wishmaster and manages to uphold his end with much charisma and an intriguing sense of danger. His interpretation of the ancient creature strikes a balance between whimsy and malice, demonstrating his acting versatility. On the other hand, Fields as the lead character is inconsistent in her performance, giving an erratic display of emotions throughout the narrative.

Unlike the original film, which showcased its villains in gruesome fashion while maintaining a semi-serious tone, this sequel somewhat leans into a darker comedic approach. There are certain sequences where the sinister genie twists the wishes of individuals in imaginative and borderline comedic ways that could incite laughter rather than terror. These comical diversions from the expected horror vibe can seem misplaced, reducing the desired chills to mild shivers.

In terms of the plot, the narrative generally retains its structure from the original film. The djinn seeks to free his kind from captivity while remaining dependent on the human protagonist’s three wishes. However, in this sequel, the interplay between djinn’s sinister plans and his comedic elements fails to coalesce seamlessly. The tone often wavers, leaving the viewers perplexed, shifting from an atmosphere of trepidation to a pseudo-comical scene.

There are still glimpses of innovative ideas and occasional jump scares that could be appealing to some viewers. Moreover, the technical elements of the film such as the effects, though dated by today’s standards, work adequately to highlight the macabre spectacle. The movie’s commitment to grotesque physical transformation and creature effects is noticeable, but at the same time, the campiness that accompanies it doesn’t quite land.

Moreover, the film does feature moments of captivating suspense and terror. Some may appreciate the diversion of combining fantasy elements with horror and may also enjoy the odd macabre humor injected at sporadic intervals.

Nevertheless, the film falls flat on achieving a full rounded conclusion, causing dissatisfaction, leaving room for improvement, and teasing another sequel.

Despite its shortfalls, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies manages to preserve some intriguing elements of its predecessor, combining the allure of myth and legend with contemporary setting. It is Divoff’s convincing performance as the malicious Wishmaster and occasional successful suspense sequences that elevate the film above its inconsistent narrative and prevent it from falling into mediocrity.

However, compared to the gripping and creatively charged Wishmaster original, this sequel can be considered a mixed bag that somehow falls short. Those looking for a seamless, cohesive horror story might find it wanting. Yet, it retains a distinct place for fans of the series and those who appreciate horror-comedy hybrids. The unique, supernatural premise is there, and the willingness to incorporate lighter tones is present, albeit somewhat unpolished and unbalanced.

Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies could, therefore, be viewed as a roller-coaster, it’s best enjoyed by suspending disbelief and immersing in the weird and fantastical world it attempts to present. Despite its mixed execution, the movie has its unique appeal, lending to it a peculiar charm. A more lenient viewer may find this sequel intriguing in its right and find value in its zany horror antics and unforgettable lead villain.

Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is an enjoyable watch for its endeavors in offering a different, not necessarily better, perspective on its unique premise and an admittedly engaging lead performance from Andrew Divoff. It is an eccentric sequel, sometimes imaginative but occasionally off-mark, appealing to a niche segment of horror and fantasy enthusiasts.