Customer Reviews

Prehysteria 2 [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Considering how disappointing the original Prehysteria ended up being, and with no great upswing in the apparent quality of the new cast or returning director (horror aficionado Albert Band, this time directing without his son Charles), I had low hopes for its sequel. As things turned out, "Prehysteria 2" is a definite improvement when it comes to having a developed, driven storyline. I may be writing under the influence of nostalgia with this one, but both technically and whimsically, I'm convinced this one's the superior pygmy dinosaur flick.

The story: when the miniature dinosaurs are mistakenly crated and shipped away in a box of raisins, they wind up in the hands of Brendan (Kevin Connors, Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead) - a rich kid desperate for attention from his overworked father (Dean Scofield, Secret Games 3) and harassed by his strict, overbearing governess (the late Bettye Ackerman, "Ben Casey").

The dinoes are a lot more active this time around: their intelligence seems to have increased tenfold since the last movie, since they're now basically able to communicate intelligently with Brendan in a very Lassie-ish manner, and they get into a lot more trouble by pestering the governess. However, the actual relevance of their antics in regard to the eventual moral of the story is debatable, since they have a lot less screentime than in the first movie and stop being the focus of things eventually. I'm pretty sure that at more than one point they disappear for upwards of fifteen minutes at a time, leaving the film to focus on Brendan and his unlikely friend Naomi (Jennifer Harte, in her only film role) as they work to win Brendan's dad over by restoring his old train set.

The film's scope and cast of characters is reduced, for the better, since they all operate in pursuit of making a more condensed and directed story. It's easier to relate to the situation between Brendan and his father than whatever was going on within the family of the last movie. The supporting characters - including an extremely stereotyped Japanese chef, a Russian gardener and plantophile, and a pair of bumbling exterminators (one of which is played by Oscar nominee Larry Hankin, Escape From Alcatraz) - are hammy without being outright awful. The only character that feels unsurely written is Bettye Ackerman's mean old governess: she's definitely the most interesting human in the film, but she's not nearly antagonistic enough to qualify as a real villain (she essentially seems to have the boy's best interests at heart), so I couldn't help but think that Brendan and the dinoes were being the bigger jerks when they play tricks on her and more than once do her bodily harm. I mean, I don't care if she locked you up in your room, Brendan - you don't make a 70-year-old woman fall flat on her back!

Production values are still pretty high for this kind of film, and the dino animatronics still look very good (the stop-motion animation for the pterosaur, however, was done away with). Additionally, I'm tickled by how absolutely no character is particularly shocked or amazed to discover real-life dinosaurs this time around. The filmmakers definitely assumed that the audience for this one had seen the prequel, in which case I'm pretty sure they would have appreciated the step up in quality. At this point, the "Prehysteria" series approached but never quite attained the level of nostalgic reverence of bigger-name kids' films of the time, but in the process became a perfectly respectable set of films to bolster your childhood with. Buy this one if it sounds familiar.

What a great movie! Touching and caring. This is one of the cutest and touching movies I have seen for a long time - it is old but very good for children. The little dinosaurs and the little boy who befriends them is an excellent lesson for our youth today. A lesson also for parents to put their children before their careers. We need more of this type of movie made. I rate it very good!!!

Just 2 months after renting the original, I thought I'd give this one a go. Truth be told, it was actually in 1998 I started to gain interest in Charlie Band's films. Now, onto the movie. Sorry for the short intro.

This time around, the story revolves around a neglected rich boy Brendan (Played by Kevin R. Connors) whose governess is on the verge of sending him to boot camp. It isn't long though, before Brendan finds everyone's favorite miniature dinosaurs. Then, the fun begins.

There are some rather silly moments, but they can also be funny, such as Ivan the Gardner, and Hiro, the karaoke loving chef, the latter being my favorite character.

Recommended.

EXTRAS: At the beginning, a "Stay Tuned for Moonbeam's Videozone" bumper appears and the videozone has a behind-the-scenes, an interview with Margot Kidder about Beanstalk, and trailers for Dragonworld, Pet Shop, and Remote.

So here's an honest review from someone who actually starred in the movie.

This movie has its good points and bad points. My nieces and nephews who are under 10 think this movie is awesome, and will watch it over and over. The dinosaurs are an instant hit with the kids. This movie has some funny moments in it (especially Mr. Hiro's 'unique' lyrics to the songs on his radio!) and some poignant moments as well. I think there is a great underlying message throughout the movie of the importance of family and friends. The film was definitely not high-budget, but does a decent job of giving kids a good story.

The movie starts out with the main character being unlikeable, showing him as a somewhat stuck-up rich kid, who is bullied by his peers, but in turn bullies the various people in his household. However, by the end of the movie, Brendan has matured and grown more kind and likeable. I would think most kids, especially the older ones, will appropriately view him as being "cooler" once he learns to cooperate with others, to show kindness and a sense of sharing. I think this is a good message to children, and may be more meaningful than a main character who is just nice from the beginning. It shows kids that you can choose how to behave, and that you can be better than your past actions have shown.

As for some bad points, there are a few awkward scenes due to weird lines in the script. I remember while filming this, I would sometimes complain to my mom "No one my age actually talks like this!" However, I don't think that this negatively impacts the film too much. There are other moments of awkward editing and such, but maybe I only notice that because I had to watch it a million times when friends and family would want to see it.

Overall, a decent movie for children that appeals to both boys and girls. Too bad it's not on DVD yet!