I've often thought many years after my first initial viewing of this sequel, just what was Anthony Hickox thinking when he wrote and directed this serious misfire to what was a very enjoyable and fun filled original.Admittedly when it came to the first Waxwork, what drew my attention to the movie was the groovy looking cover, such a weakness for cool looking artwork covers still haunts me to this very day, even though I am no longer than impressionable teenager, but a man celebrating his fortieth year on this planet(how about that for ageing this review and indeed myself) Luckily the first movie was able to deliver upon the promise of the synopsis and the artwork on show. What the second installment was sadly lacking was direction, a cohesive storyline and more importantly that fun factor.I remember when this was first announced, I was so excited, because after Waxwork, Hickox made what was arguably(for me anyway) his best movie, Sundown The Vampire In Retreat, so having watched both these movies, I felt a need to watch any movie that Hickox applied his name to.With the first Waxwork, the story had an aim and fully formed structure, plus a great cast to see it through, alas all the name's attached to Lost In Time, we mere time fillers and what did he have them do, re-enact/rehash classic scenes from 'The Haunting' and 'Alien' et al.I can still hear Lesley Gore singing 'It's my party' at the end credits of the original, too bad this monster mash up, that Hickox threw together couldn't find that necessary gel to make it all stick.A bitter disappointment. 2/10

Sequel to "Waxwork" picks up where the first film left off, and has Sarah (Monika Schnarre, taking over the role from Deborah Foreman) going home to her stepfather (George "Buck" Flower), who is killed by the severed hand we saw escaping at the end of "Waxwork". Of course nobody believes her outlandish story so she's put on trial for murder. She and Mark (Zach Galligan) realize that in order to clear her they have to travel through alternate realities to obtain some sort of evidence. Among the scenarios, and stories referenced, are the "Alien" films, "Frankenstein", and "The Haunting", until Sarah and Mark end up in medieval England doing battle with a dastardly black magic practitioner named Scarabis (Alexander Godunov). A number of familiar faces are to be seen in the cast: Martin Kemp, Bruce Campbell (who's very funny as always), Jim Metzler, John Ireland, Michael Des Barres, Marina Sirtis, Juliet Mills, Patrick Macnee, David Carradine, and Maxwell Caulfield, with Drew Barrymore seen very fleetingly as a vampire's victim. The main problem with this sequel, as far as this reviewer can see, is that the pacing is off at times, with the movie getting too dull; it just doesn't have a sense of "hurry up and go". In the end, it's just not as much fun as I would have liked, and is played a little too straight too much of the time (the sequence with Campbell as paranormal researcher John Loftmore is a refreshing exception). That said, it still displays a likable amount of imagination, enough effective atmosphere and period recreation, and does ultimately build up to an amusing finale where Galligan and Godunov battle their way through a number of scenes, including nods to "Nosferatu" and "Dawn of the Dead". The cast makes this pleasant enough to watch, with everybody giving a game effort. (Writer / director Anthony Hickox also appears on screen as the king's officer.) Schnarre is an appealing Sarah, even if she won't make anybody forget Deborah Foreman. Bob Keen's effects are nicely done; visually, the movie is strong, with nice costumes and sets. There are some amusing bits of gory business, as well. "Waxwork II: Lost in Time" is entertaining enough, but could and should have been better. At least it does have its moments along the way. Six out of 10.

It's not very often that you can catch a horror film that pays so much homage to the genre that is actually enjoyable and not completely painstaking. Whomever was behind the concept of this film and script were clearly have a good time, and personally I thought it turned out very well.Despite the fact that it wasn't a huge budgeted release, everything holds up. It's the imagination that goes into the script ( Yeah, it's all a spin off of other films, but done very well. ) that really brings a cool energy to this film. It'll have you munching on the popcorn.If you're a genre fan, you will get a smirk out of this film. If you don't, I guess you're one of the types that can't have a good time with the horror concept being tossed around into the realm of satire and comedy as it is in this film.I'm really surprised there's not a bit more buzz about this film. I think it's a true cult classic and absolutely surpasses the first in every way. Do what is in your power to see this film if you haven't.

Will the sequel be as interesting as the first film? Writer/director Anthony Hickox brings us another homage to movie monsters. Zach Galligan returns as Mark, who survived the first film, along with a new Sarah (Monika Schnarre), but it is the appearances of Drew Barrymore and Bruce Campbell that peaks my interest.Viewers of the first film know that a zombie hand survived along with Mark and Sarah. The hand kills Sarah's step-father and she and Mark have to travel through time portals to find evidence to clear her.This film has blood and gore, but it is more of a spoof than a horror film. They end up first with Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. As they escape, they get separated and Sarah is playing Ripley fighting Aliens, while Mark is with some ghost hunters.They rejoin each other and end up in the Middle ages. All sorts of interesting characters come into the picture, including Jack the Ripper, zombies, Hitchcock, Nosferatu, and even Godzilla. The fascinating thing about the film is trying to identify all the films it spoofs.It is interesting fun.