Having wrestled with the restless spirits of the netherworld in Poltergeist, the Freeling family makes a bid for some normalcy by moving in with Diane's mother.

But the ethereal forces that be still crave Carol Anne...and they're now led by sinister emissary Reverend Kane (Beck).

Will the dark forces succeed this time, and steal Carol Anne forever?

This followup from director Brian Gibson generally lacks the Hooper-Spielberg magic combo that lent the first entry such an interesting flavor.

Still retains a bit of the original's zest, thanks both to the solid ensemble cast and Beck's superb, ultracreepy portrayal of the ghostly minister Kane.

But none of it ever reaches transcendental.

(Note to self: don't swallow the Mezcal worm!)