The gang at Angel Beach High are back in this sequel to the 1981 classic, where they now face a barrage of obstacles, all in the name of Shakespeare.
The day after the gang of Angel Beach High defeated Porky, the school is setting up a Shakespeare festival under the supervisor of drama teacher Mrs. Morris, who just happens to be Pee Wee’s mother. With the casting of newcomer Native American John Henry, the festival is a sure fire to be a hit. However, the Flock, a religious order led by Bubba Flavel, plans to boycott due to the “vulgarity of Shakespeare”. Despite efforts from Principal Carter, who retaliates with vulgar matter in the Bible, Flavel truly makes it known that he plans to stand up for what he feels is right.
That becomes the least of the gang’s problems. They learn a Senator, who just happens to have a thing for underage girls, as well as the Ku Klux Klan, intend to stop production of the play all because of John Henry. However, the group of friends plan to rally to support John and learn there is a connection between the KKK and Flavel’s group. They decide to hatch a plan in motion to stop everyone who has tried to stop the Shakespeare festival once and for all.
This is clearly a fun-filled sequel to the original classic film because once again, the eccentric cast of characters really show great chemistry amongst each others and only a few characters have truly transitioned. Pee Wee is still Pee Wee but he is no longer the virgin everyone knew from the film, but still gets himself in hot water. Tommy and Billy are still the pranksters of the group, pulling off one of the funniest pranks against their arch-nemesis Miss Balbricker. Let’s just say this involves a stall and a snake. Wendy truly has risen from bit player to more one of the gang here with her impeccable stunt in the third act of the film. Tim is no longer the racist good guy he was in the beginning and is best friends with Brian, who also has gotten his rank upped to major player.
This time around, the adult characters become more involved in the hijinks. Notably, Principal Carter, who blows a serious gasket when he confronts Reverend Flavel over vulgarity in the Bible to rebuttal Flavel’s vulgarity in Shakespeare and ends the confrontation with one of the best lines in the film. Native American actor Joseph Running Fox is great as the pivotal John Henry, whom the gang must help out. John and Billy do have a funny scene when Henry is missing his sword and uses a device that Clark has used in another classic film, A Christmas Story: the lingerie-sported leg.
Some of the running gags used in the original re-appear in the sequel such as the naked Pee Wee running past a police car after a prank gone wrong and screaming that can be heard in the gym. However, it’s the third act of the film that truly takes the cake. As it is the culmination as to why the gang at Angel Beach High may be the naughtiest but they can also be the smartest when joined together.
Porky’s II: The Next Day is a fun sequel full of gags, the attempts at some action, and a third act that culminates in that friendship can overcome any obstacle.
WFG RATING: A-
20th Century Fox Presents A Melvin Simon Productions/Astral Bellevue Pathe Film. Director: Bob Clark. Producers: Don Carmody and Bob Clark. Writers: Bob Clark, Roger E. Swaybill, and
Alan Ormsby. Cinematography: Reginald H. Morris. Editing: Stan Cole.
Cast: Dan Monahan, Wyatt Knight, Mark Herrier, Roger Wilson, Cyril O’Reilly, Tony Ganios, Kaki Hunter, Scott Colomby, Nancy Parsons, Art Hindle, Joseph Running Fox, Eric Christmas, Bill Wiley, Edward Winter, Cisse Cameron, Rod Ball.
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