Nonsensical supernatural thriller continues the other-worldly nightmares plaguing the TV set-fearing Freeling family, originally introduced in 1982's "Poltergeist". Here, a Native American shaman helps protect the family from the spirit of a demonic, skeletal preacher who wants to possess little Carol Anne. Depressive sequel reunites the central cast members from the original but fails to build on their characters (much of this seems like a cheaply-rendered rerun). Director Brian Gibson mistakes tasteless jolts (such as "the Vomit Monster") for scary thrills--and has a severe case of Spielberg-itis besides. Few involved with the project were satisfied with the results, and smart audiences knew to stay away. *1/2 from ****
Review of Poltergeist II: The Other Side
