The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2  ★½

THE Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best horror films ever made.

Unfortunately it’s immediate 1986 sequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, may be among the worst.

It’s certainly a major disappointment for pure horror fans, with the same director Tobe Hooper, opting to veer into black comedy at the expense of dark themes and violence.

There is plenty of gore, but it’s delivered in such a schlocky and hokey manner that amounts to almost zero scares.

Gone is the pervading sense of sheer dread that made the first film such a nightmarish experience.

Instead it’s replaced with an over-the-top, comic slasher filled with uninteresting characters.

As you can tell, horror comedies are one of my lease favourite cross-over genres.

There are some great ones, but this isn’t one of them.

I’m probably in the minority here as Texas Chainsaw 2 has achieved some cult audience following since its original release and general bullocking from most critics.

The film was banned in Australia for 20 years but that was more likely due to the original’s reputation.