The Jester franchise has always had potential, but the first feature outing felt lackluster compared to the shorts that made the character a cult favorite. The Jester 2 marks a clear step forward. From the opening scene, it announces itself with a fresh and grotesque reintroduction to the villain: his mask no longer sits like a costume but instead appears fused to his flesh, blood seeping around the edges as if it has become a part of him. The imagery, reminiscent of Splatterhouse’s Terror Mask, instantly sets the tone. A clever callback to one of the shorts follows, showing the filmmakers know their fanbase and are ready to build upon what worked.
The story centers on Max (Kaitlyn Trentham), a teen caught between childhood and adulthood on Halloween night. Too old for trick-or-treating and too young for adult parties, she wanders alone until she meets the Jester at a local diner. Instead of fearing him, she appreciates his company. This chance meeting leads them into a partnership reminiscent of Satan’s Little Helper, with Max delivering harmless card tricks at doors while the Jester provides far darker “treats” for the unsuspecting homeowners.
The kills are playful in their cruelty, a mix of practical gore and tongue-in-cheek setups that recall the likes of Leprechaun and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. They may not reinvent the wheel, but they are executed with energy and a certain throwback charm. Clearly, a bigger budget was at play here compared to the first feature, with most of it wisely funneled into effects that elevate each set piece.
Performance-wise, the acting ranges from effective to decent, but the dynamic between Trentham’s Max and Michael Sheffield’s Jester holds the film together. Their relationship gives the sequel more heart and narrative drive than its predecessor, especially once the Jester reveals a glimpse of his lore. We learn he must trick and kill four souls each Halloween due to an ancient bargain, though the rules feel a bit shoehorned into the mythology.
What makes The Jester 2 stand out is that it finally captures more of the anarchic spirit that made the shorts so popular. The atmosphere is soaked in Halloween iconography, the kills are consistently entertaining, and the tone feels right at home with the VHS-era horror staples many fans grew up with. The story is still stuffed with exposition that doesn’t fully land, but it is far more engaging than the flat plotting of the first film.
While not a perfect sequel, The Jester 2 is a marked improvement and a fun seasonal slasher that delivers both tricks and treats. It embraces its campier instincts, doubles down on effects-driven spectacle, and most importantly, gives horror fans a reason to be excited about the franchise again.
Jessie Hobson