Wishmaster 2- Evil Never Dies Review
For Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies , "feature" typically refers to the film's inclusion in a double feature DVD set alongside the original 1997 Wishmaster. DVD Double Feature Details
This release is a popular way to own the first two films in the series. It was produced by LIONSGATE (formerly Artisan Entertainment) and is widely available through retailers like Amazon and eBay . Format: Widescreen, NTSC, Anamorphic Color.
Total Runtime: Approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes (186 minutes combined).
Rating: R (Restricted) for severe violence, gore, and profanity. Language: English. Region: 1 (US and Canada). Special Features (Wishmaster 2)
While often described as having a "lack of features" compared to later sequels, certain editions (like the Horror DNA review of the Blu-ray collection) include:
Audio Commentary: Featuring writer/director Jack Sholder, moderated by Michael Felsher of Red Shirt Pictures.
Production Trivia: For example, actor Andrew Divoff (the Djinn) famously does not blink during his performances, even in scenes lasting over two minutes. Film Overview
Released straight-to-video in 1999, this sequel stars Andrew Divoff as the malevolent Djinn.
Plot: The Djinn is accidentally freed during a botched heist and intentionally goes to prison to collect the 1,000 souls required to trigger a prophecy that would allow his race to take over Earth.
Tone: Critics note that while it maintains the "creature feature" horror elements of the original, this installment leans more into dark humor and "campy" dialogue.
3. KEY CHARACTER ANALYSIS
The Djinn (Andrew Divoff): Divoff is the anchor of the film. His performance is theatrical, embracing the villain’s sadistic pleasure in twisting words. Unlike the first film’s polished antagonist, Divoff’s Djinn in the sequel leans into a rougher, more cynical persona, particularly in his human disguise as a prison inmate. His deep, raspy voice and prosthetic makeup remain effective scare tactics.
Morgana Truscott (Holly Fields): As the protagonist, Morgana is a departure from the first film's "final girl." She begins as a criminal and a thief, adding a layer of moral ambiguity. Her arc involves transitioning from self-preservation to spiritual redemption. While Fields commits to the role, the character often serves as a passive vessel for the plot's exposition until the finale.
8. Drinking Game (Watch Responsibly)
Drink when:
- The Djinn says “It is done” or “As you wish.”
- Someone wishes for something obvious but disastrous.
- A wish backfires in under 10 seconds.
- Morgana looks confused.
- A cop or guard dies horribly.
- You spot a reference to the first movie.
Finish your drink if:
- The Djinn changes form in a scene.
- The ending makes no sense (it won’t).
Why You Should Watch It (Or Rewatch It)
Do not go into Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies expecting high art. Go into it expecting a movie where a man wishes himself into a stained-glass window, a woman wishes for a "big break" and has her spine snapped in half, and a demon in a three-piece suit delivers punchlines over a pile of corpses.
It is fast. It is mean. It is hilarious. And it proves, definitively, that evil never dies—it just goes straight to video.
Final Verdict: A messy, ambitious, and wildly entertaining sequel that understands the wish-fulfillment genre better than most big-budget films. Andrew Divoff is a horror icon. The prison setting is inspired. And that self-impalement scene? Worth the price of admission alone.
Keywords used: Wishmaster 2, Evil Never Dies, Andrew Divoff, horror sequel, cult classic, Djinn, 90s horror, direct-to-video, prison horror. Wishmaster 2- Evil Never Dies
The 1999 horror film "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is a sequel to the moderately successful 1997 film "Wishmaster," which itself was inspired by the classic horror movie "Dreamscape" (1984). While the first film received mixed reviews, the sequel attempts to build upon the mythology and lore established in the original, with a more focused narrative and intense scares. Despite its limitations, "Wishmaster 2" has carved out a niche for itself within the horror genre, appealing to fans of supernatural thrillers.
The film takes place two years after the events of the first movie, with the demon Nibbler still on the loose, seeking to grant twisted wishes to unsuspecting victims. The story follows a new protagonist, Eric (played by Chris Lemche), who becomes embroiled in a series of gruesome murders linked to Nibbler's evil influence. As Eric navigates the complex web of wishes and consequences, he must confront the demon and prevent further bloodshed.
One of the standout aspects of "Wishmaster 2" is its exploration of the concept of wish-granting and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control. The film cleverly subverts the traditional notion of wishes as benevolent and selfless acts, instead revealing the darker aspects of human nature. The characters' wishes, often motivated by greed, revenge, or lust, ultimately lead to their downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition.
The film's use of practical effects and makeup is notable, particularly in the creative and gory death scenes. The kills are graphically intense, showcasing the inventive and sadistic methods Nibbler employs to dispatch his victims. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, even by today's standards, adding to the overall tension and unease.
The cast of "Wishmaster 2" delivers solid performances, with Chris Lemche bringing a likable everyman quality to the lead role. The supporting cast, including Wendy Malick and Simon Quarry, add to the sense of unease and paranoia that pervades the film. The character development, while not extensive, is sufficient to make the audience invest in their fates.
A significant improvement over the first film is the sequel's more streamlined narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, moving swiftly between set pieces and character-driven moments. The script, written by Todd Farmer and Gary Daube, expands on the mythology of Nibbler and the wish-granting concept, introducing new twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged.
Despite its strengths, "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is not without its limitations. Some critics argue that the film's R-rated gore and violence overshadow its more thoughtful themes, detracting from the overall impact. Additionally, the movie's climax, while intense, feels somewhat rushed and convenient.
In conclusion, "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is a satisfying sequel that builds upon the foundation established in the original film. With its effective use of practical effects, solid performances, and streamlined narrative, the movie offers a compelling and unsettling viewing experience. While not perfect, the film's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control make it a worthwhile addition to the horror genre. For fans of supernatural thrillers and those who appreciate a well-crafted scare, "Wishmaster 2" remains a worthy watch.
Andrew Divoff returns as the malevolent Djinn in Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies, a 1999 sequel that leans harder into the dark irony and "be careful what you wish for" horror that made the original a cult favorite. While many direct-to-video sequels of the late 90s fell flat, this installment remains a standout for fans of practical effects and supernatural slashers. The Plot: Be Careful What You Wish For
The story kicks off when a botched museum heist accidentally releases the Djinn from his fire opal prison. After taking the soul of one of the thieves, the Djinn assumes his human form as Nathaniel Demerest and allows himself to be incarcerated.
His goal is tactical: he needs to collect 1,001 souls to trigger the apocalypse and free his fellow Djinn. What better place to harvest "wishes" than a prison full of desperate men willing to trade their souls for freedom, revenge, or a simple cigarette?
Meanwhile, Morgana (Holly Fields), the thief who survived the opening heist, begins experiencing psychic visions of the Djinn's carnage. Haunted by guilt, she teams up with a priest to find a way to banish the ancient evil back into the stone. The Performance: Andrew Divoff’s Last Dance
The undisputed highlight of Wishmaster 2 is Andrew Divoff. His portrayal of the Djinn is a masterclass in sinister charisma. Unlike other silent slashers like Michael Myers, the Djinn is loquacious and witty, finding sadistic loopholes in every wish granted.
Divoff’s ability to move between the heavy prosthetics of the Djinn’s true form and the eerie, cold stillness of Nathaniel Demerest provides the film with its backbone. This would unfortunately be Divoff's last time playing the character, and many fans argue the franchise lost its magic when he departed. Creative Carnage and Practical Effects
Director Jack Sholder (who also directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 2) brings a twisted sense of humor to the kill scenes. The film is famous for its literal interpretations of wishes, including:
The Lawyer: When a lawyer wishes his client could "walk," his legs are snapped and he is forced to shuffle like a crab.
The Prison Break: A prisoner wishes to "pass through" the bars of his cell, resulting in a gruesome, bone-crushing transformation. For Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies , "feature"
The Casino Massacre: The film's climax features a high-stakes wish that turns a room of gamblers into a literal bloodbath of slot machine-style gore. Legacy and Reception
While it didn’t have the star-studded horror cameos of the first film (which featured Robert Englund and Kane Hodder), Wishmaster 2 is often praised for being more focused and mean-spirited. It embraces the absurdity of its premise while delivering the high-quality prosthetic work that 90s horror is known for.
For fans of the genre, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies serves as a perfect time capsule of late-90s horror—campy, creative, and undeniably fun.
Be Careful What You Wish For: A Deep Dive into Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies
If you’re a fan of late-90s horror, you know the rules: never take a weird jewel from a museum heist, and
trust a guy with a sinister grin who offers to solve all your problems. Released in 1999, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies
took the foundation laid by the original film and cranked up the camp, the gore, and the sheer audacity of its "be careful what you wish for" kills. The Plot: Prison, Prophecies, and Poor Choices
The sequel kicks off when a botched museum robbery accidentally releases the Djinn (reprised by the incomparable Andrew Divoff
) from his fire opal prison. In a clever narrative twist, the Djinn—under the human alias Nathaniel Demerest—allows himself to be arrested. Why? Because a prison is a goldmine of desperate people with plenty of selfish wishes. Key Movies Of My Life: Wishmaster 2 Evil Never Dies (1999)
Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is a 1999 direct-to-video dark fantasy horror film written and directed by Jack Sholder. It is the first sequel to the 1997 film Wishmaster and features Andrew Divoff reprising his role as the malevolent Djinn. Movie Overview
Plot: During a botched art museum robbery, a thief named Morgana accidentally releases the Djinn from a fire opal. To trigger the apocalypse, the Djinn must collect 1,001 souls by granting twisted wishes. He surrenders to the police to gain access to prisoners' souls before eventually heading to Las Vegas to finish his collection.
Release: The film premiered on television on March 12, 1999, followed by a DVD release on August 17, 1999.
Reception: It generally received negative reviews from critics, holding a 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Cast & Crew
While often dismissed as a campy direct-to-video sequel, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999)
contains several thematic layers and narrative subtexts that explore the nature of desire, morality, and the thin line between divinity and damnation. The Philosophy of "Perfect Balance"
The film’s central metaphysical argument is that good and evil are codependent. When the protagonist Morgana attempts to wish for a world without evil, the Djinn refuses, explaining that "evil is one half of a perfect sphere" [17].
Antithesis as Necessity: The Djinn posits that "good" is only definable in opposition to "evil." Without suffering or malevolence to provide contrast, the concept of virtue becomes meaningless [6, 17]. The Djinn says “It is done” or “As you wish
The Paradox of Choice: By granting wishes that lead to horrific outcomes, the Djinn illustrates that human desires are often inherently flawed or shortsighted. The film suggests that "human flaws"—greed, spite, or even a simple desire to "never have been born"—are the tools of our own undoing [20]. Subverting Religious Dogma
The film features a significant subplot involving a priest, Father Gregory, and a convict named Eric who attempts to use his faith as a shield.
Demonic Misidentification: In a notable exchange, Father Gregory commands the Djinn to "Be gone, Satan!" The Djinn’s response—"I think you have your demons mixed up, Father"—serves as a critique of narrow religious perspectives [4, 11]. It establishes the Djinn as an entity that predates and exists outside the binary of Christian Heaven and Hell [11].
The Power of Guilt: Morgana’s arc is a journey of redemption. Having accidentally killed a guard during a heist, her "pureness of heart" is only restored when she stops running and actively wishes to undo the harm she caused [6, 11]. Institutional and Social Critique
A large portion of the film takes place in a prison, which allows the Djinn to prey on those who are already marginalized or morally compromised.
Transactional Justice: The Djinn’s time in prison highlights the "transactional" nature of human interactions. He grants wishes to inmates and guards alike, exposing the corruption in the legal system—symbolized by the infamous scene where a lawyer is literally forced to "go fuck himself" following an inmate's angry wish [13, 17].
The Casino Finale: The climax in a Las Vegas casino further emphasizes the theme of greed. The setting represents a temple of "wishes" (gambling), where people voluntarily trade their well-being for the chance of a miracle, making it the perfect harvesting ground for the Djinn [6, 24]. Production Facts
Acting: Andrew Divoff (The Djinn) famously never blinks while on camera to maintain a supernatural, unsettling presence [18].
Director's View: Writer/Director Jack Sholder admitted he found parts of the film "dumb" but also "funny or clever," reflecting the film's divide between high-concept philosophy and low-budget camp [24].
Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999) is a direct-to-video sequel praised by fans for embracing absurdism, creative gore effects, and Andrew Divoff’s performance as the sinister Djinn. Directed by Jack Sholder, the film follows a trapped Djinn manipulating prisoners for souls in a high-concept, low-budget production. For a detailed review and analysis, visit Outlaw Vern's review Wishmaster 2-4 | VERN'S REVIEWS on the FILMS of CINEMA
Themes
- The dangers of careless wish fulfillment and the unforeseen consequences of getting exactly what you ask for.
- Wordplay and literalism: the Djinn’s exploitation of language underscores a recurring motif—phrases taken at face value become death sentences.
- Corruption and temptation: the film explores how ordinary desires can be weaponized when rules are bent by a malevolent intelligence.
Legacy: The Peak Before the Fall
Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies remains the high-water mark of the franchise. It was followed by the dismal Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001) and Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled (2002), both of which recast the Djinn and abandoned the dark humor that made the first two films work.
Today, the film lives a robust second life on streaming platforms (Shudder, Tubi, and Prime Video) and Blu-ray. It is a staple of horror conventions, where Andrew Divoff still signs autographs as the "Wishmaster." The film’s unique blend of prison drama, supernatural horror, and Looney Tunes logic has made it a favorite among horror podcasts and midnight movie crowds.
2. PLOT SYNOPSIS
The narrative begins during a museum heist where a statue housing the "fire opal" is shattered. The Djinn is released, proceeding to kill the thieves. The opal falls into the hands of a survivor, Morgana (Holly Fields), who unwittingly wakes the Djinn.
True to Djinn lore, the entity must grant three wishes to the person who woke him (Morgana) to unleash his brethren upon the Earth. To hasten this process, the Djinn takes human form (as "Nathaniel Demerest") and surrenders to the police to infiltrate the penal system. He grants violent, ironic wishes to inmates and guards to harvest souls. Morgana, experiencing nightmares and realizing the danger, teams up with a priest, Father Gregory, to find a way to banish the Djinn forever. The climax involves a high-stakes encounter in a Las Vegas casino, resulting in a classic "be careful what you wish for" resolution.
Thematic Depth? Or Happy Accident?
On the surface, Wishmaster 2 is about a fire-breathing demon in a jumpsuit. But lurking beneath the schlock is a surprisingly coherent theme: the corruption of desire. The prison setting is genius because prisoners are desperate. They wish for freedom, for revenge, for love—and the Djinn gives them exactly what they ask for, never what they want.
Morgana’s arc is the core of the film. She starts as a selfish grifter but must learn to control her tongue and her heart in a place where a single sentence can cause an apocalypse. The film’s climax, which moves from the prison to a high-roller casino suite, explores the emptiness of wealth and power. The Djinn’s final defeat doesn’t come from a magic sword or a holy relic, but from a wish for selflessness—a rare, almost intelligent ending for a B-movie.