1995: Did Horror Sequels Reach Their Lowest Point?

      From Halloween 5 to Howling VII, EJ Moreno discusses why 1995 may stand out as the worst year for horror and slasher sequels…

      The 1980s marked a peak for horror films that exceeded expectations. Franchise continuations highlighted the strength of intellectual properties, even within the genre. Everything seemed promising until the 1990s arrived.

      This decade introduced uncertainty, with original horror films struggling due to a lack of established IPs. Undoubtedly, 1995 represents the low point for horror franchises, marking the midpoint of a lackluster era. Several sequels released this year tarnished beloved series, nearly extinguishing them completely.

      We’ll revisit some of the bizarre entries of this year. Feel free to engage with us on our social channels @FlickeringMyth and share which horror sequels you believe ruined 1995 for you…

      Leprechaun 3

      To be honest, I find enjoyment in this third Leprechaun film. The Las Vegas setting and Warwick Davis's committed performance make it bearable, but unfortunately, it perpetuates the franchise's directionless path.

      While these quirky Leprechaun films didn't require an intense narrative, a touch of focus could have prevented them from becoming so monotonous. The most disappointing aspect is the repetitive nature of the kills and jokes, a flaw that plagues subsequent films in the franchise; it became especially apparent in this Sin City installment.

      The next installment would take the franchise out of this world, leading me to eventually appreciate Leprechaun 3 for its simplicity. Sadly, it was merely a low point, with worse to come.

      Howling VII: New Moon Rising

      Werewolf films rarely receive the hype or mainstream appeal that vampire films do, yet they can capture magic when done well, as seen with the original Howling. By the seventh film, that magic had completely faded.

      If you’re surprised there are seven films in this werewolf series, brace yourself for an eighth, which will be a reboot because the Howling franchise effectively ended with this dreadful entry. It's almost unfair to label this as a full film, as it rehashes so many scenes from the original that it resembles a sitcom clip show episode.

      New Moon Rising not only disrespects the nearly non-existent series of The Howling, but it also feels more like a waste than a legitimate horror movie. It’s utterly disappointing and the weakest film on this list.

      Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh

      Similar to the previously mentioned Leprechaun film, there’s a part of me that appreciates what Candyman 2 tries to do, primarily due to Tony Todd’s exceptional work in a more significant role.

      Unfortunately, that’s where the praise ends. The film sets up so much with Todd’s Candyman/Daniel Robitaille but disappointingly fails to deliver by the final act. As the film wraps up, any effort to portray the Candyman character as more than just a horror villain is swept away by its laughably poor conclusion.

      With more gruesome kills and the Phillip Glass score elevating the experience, you could certainly find worse films to watch. However, it’s incredibly disappointing how they mishandle the legacy of Candyman…or what it could have been.

      Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest

      I had not seen this film prior to writing the article. Perhaps it’s due to my lack of familiarity with Children of the Corn III, or maybe it’s just that bad, but it was a struggle to sit through.

      The concept of relocating this rural story into an urban environment has potential; it’s an idea I would consider if I were a producer or director. Unfortunately, nothing about Urban Harvest succeeds apart from touching on the Lovecraftian themes present in the source material. Even Charlize Theron’s debut performance fails to inject any fun into the film.

      Children of the Corn III manages to survive within the franchise without being the absolute worst, as there are far worse entries, but it contributes to a year filled with IP-based films losing their footing, rendering horror somewhat tired in the '90s.

      Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

      Nothing angers classic Halloween fans more than the mention of the Thorn cult. If you thought Halloween Ends was bad and the lowest point, you should revisit The Curse of Michael Myers immediately.

      A young Paul Rudd attempts to bring some charm to the film, but it’s futile amid the Man in Black and the backstory of Michael Myers. While Donald Pleasence delivers a significantly better performance than he did in Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, at this juncture, we are clinging to any semblance of quality.

      The Curse of Michael Myers contributes nothing to Michael Myers as a character, reinforcing my belief that he falls short compared to his slasher counterparts. Another timeline reset a few years later would eventually salvage this legacy.

      Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation