Retro Blood 221: Critters 2: The Main Course(1988)

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Little Creatures Month, reviewing all four Critters films—this time diving into the slime-covered chaos of Critters 2. The boys kick things off with thoughts on PG-13 ’80s horror, the strange balance of comedy and sleaze, and why Retro Blood is expanding into select ’90s films. In the Weekly History Segment, James breaks down a painfully slow WWF house show from New York that may feature one of the most boring matches ever, while Alison explains his love-hate relationship with Poison, spotlighting their album Open Up and Say… Ahh! and where the band stood in 1988’s metal scene. The episode dives deep into the production history of Critters 2, including director Mick Garris and his horror legacy, New Line Cinema’s attempt to bring back the original director, and why that didn’t happen. We discuss the film’s reduced budget, its box office failure, and how it became the last Critters movie to receive a theatrical release. The boys also talk cast highlights, including Roxanne Kernohan as Lee, plus behind-the-scenes anecdotes and studio missteps. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie—from Easter egg–packed mayhem and returning bounty hunters to the over-the-top creature kills and small-town destruction—asking whether Critters 2 is a misunderstood sequel or just chaotic ’80s fun.