It's easy to get carried away with sequels sometimes. Twenty-two years following the violent and disturbing occurrences at Bates Motel, Norman Bates has been released from a mental facility and returned home, where the presence of "Mother" is ready for him. One might describe it as an opportunistic effort to capitalize on the popularity of 1980s slasher films, but despite the challenge of being a sequel to such a classic, Psycho II turns out to be surprisingly good. Director Richard Franklin benefits from having Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles among the cast, which immediately lends the film authority. Although the influence of Hitchcock is undeniable, Franklin avoids imitation and brings his own distinctive style to the project. The screenplay by Tom Holland also distinguishes itself, developing the Bates narrative with some effective surprises while maintaining a sense of intrigue and keeping things consistently engaging. Dean Cundey’s cinematography and Jerry Goldsmith’s musical score are additional strengths in the film's technical aspects. This shouldn't be disregarded as just an attempt to make money; it deserves attention. The ending is also quite good. 7/10

On September 22, 2026
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