Psycho II (1983)

22 years after he was declared not guilty by reason of insanity in a series of murders, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is released from a mental institution as "cured". The sister (Vera Miles) of his last victim (Janet Leigh) objects to his release but to no avail. Returning to the Bates mansion and motel which was the scene of his crimes, he has a difficult time putting his past behind him. Directed by Richard Franklin (ROAD GAMES), this sequel to the Hitchcock classic is surprisingly good. While nowhere near the level of artistry of the iconic 1960 film, the film smartly goes in a different direction. There's a poignancy to it and one almost feels an empathy for poor Norman as we're never quite sure if he's being driven mad or if he was never cured in the first place. Jerry Goldsmith's excellent score sets the tone as his main title theme is melancholy as opposed to Bernard Herrmann's racing strings theme. Vera Miles returning as Lila Crane (now Loomis) gives an aggressive performance in an interesting contrast to her more subdued performance in the 1960 movie. It's more grisly than PSYCHO. The slasher film (FRIDAY THE 13TH had come out 3 years earlier) was now a staple at cinemas so the film makers upped the ante. But it's a well made and intelligent film. I think Hitchcock would have approved. With Meg Tilly, Robert Loggia, Dennis Franz (the film's only sour note) and Claudia Bryar.