Review: Porky's II: The Next Day (1983)

Ah, the early '80s. A time when teen comedies ruled the box office, often mixing slapstick humor with a touch of rebellion. One of the most famous entries in this genre is Porky's and, naturally, it spawned a sequel. Enter Porky's II: The Next Day, released in 1983. This film picks up where the original left off, aiming to deliver the same level of raunchy humor and high school hijinks that made the first film so memorable. For collectors, the question is whether this sequel holds the same charm and collectability as its predecessor.

Plot Summary

Porky's II: The Next Day continues with the misadventures of the familiar group of high school friends from Angel Beach High. After the events of the first film, the students are now dealing with new challenges. They face off against a variety of authority figures, including a self-righteous preacher and a group of corrupt politicians, as they try to stage a Shakespearean festival. This time, the stakes are more about freedom of expression and standing up to censorship, rather than just pulling pranks. While the plot doesn't stray far from the formula that made the first film a hit, it offers enough fresh challenges to keep fans entertained.

Performances

The original cast returns, bringing with them the chemistry that made the first film enjoyable. Dan Monahan as Pee Wee is still the heart of the group, delivering humorous and sometimes awkward moments that are both endearing and entertaining. Wyatt Knight reprises his role as Tommy, providing the brash, rebellious energy that drives much of the film’s conflict. The ensemble cast works well together, with each bringing their own quirks to the table.

Newcomer to the series, Eric Christmas, plays Reverend Bubba Flavel, a character who is both a parody of authority and an instigator for much of the film’s conflict. His performance adds a new layer to the antics, offering a foil to the students' plans. While none of the performances are likely to win awards, they do contribute to the film’s overall charm and comedic timing.

Direction and Craft

Bob Clark returns as the director for this sequel, bringing his familiar style to the project. Clark’s direction ensures that the film retains the essence of the original while attempting to explore slightly new territory. His ability to balance humor with a hint of social commentary, particularly on issues like censorship and authority, provides the film with a little more depth than one might expect.

The set design and costuming capture the early '60s setting effectively, grounding the outlandish antics in a believable world. The comedic timing is well-paced, ensuring that jokes land without feeling forced. However, the sequel doesn’t quite capture the same level of energy or innovation as the first Porky's movie, which might leave some viewers feeling it's just more of the same.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, Porky's II: The Next Day is an interesting piece. It’s not as iconic as the original, which can make it feel more like a companion piece than a standalone classic. If you’re looking to complete your collection of early '80s teen comedies, this sequel is a worthy addition. The best format to own this on is DVD, as it provides a stable picture quality and occasionally features extras like commentary or behind-the-scenes footage that can enhance the viewing experience. Fortunately, this title is relatively common, so finding a copy shouldn't be too difficult or expensive.

While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, Porky's II is an enjoyable sequel for fans and collectors who appreciate early '80s comedy. Its humor and performances make it a solid, if not essential, part of any collection focused on this era of filmmaking.

Star Rating

3.0 out of 5