Appropriately titled, Coscarelli's cut and paste offering, Phantasm: Oblivion, offers little. Easily the weakest entry in the Phantasm series, Oblivion features unused footage from the original 1979 release worked into new material. The result is a mess - incomprehensible - with some contradiction to the plots in the previous films. Even worse, the film ends (and begins) ambiguously, laying the groundwork for yet another sequel.
Coscarelli's first film featuring The Tall Man was original, inventive, and fast-paced. Even on a low budget, he managed to create a unique look and potential style in Phantasm. Unfortunately, he's not been able to successfully nurture those auspicious beginnings.
Each film in the Phantasm series benefits from the presence of Reggie (actor Reggie Bannister). An appealing character responsible for injecting subtle comic relief, Reggie's lust-driven dream sequences highlight the third and fourth installments of the series. The amateur acting of A. Michael Baldwin (Mike) and Bill Thornbury (Jody) fares less successfully. In fact, for some reason these two were absent from the first sequel. Angus Scrimm, as The Tall Man, is still effective in his creepy role, though less so with each passing film. Overall, Phantasm and Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead are recommended; Phantasm II is weak, but Phantasm: Oblivion exists for hardcore fans only - just barely.
Coscarelli's first film featuring The Tall Man was original, inventive, and fast-paced. Even on a low budget, he managed to create a unique look and potential style in Phantasm. Unfortunately, he's not been able to successfully nurture those auspicious beginnings.
Each film in the Phantasm series benefits from the presence of Reggie (actor Reggie Bannister). An appealing character responsible for injecting subtle comic relief, Reggie's lust-driven dream sequences highlight the third and fourth installments of the series. The amateur acting of A. Michael Baldwin (Mike) and Bill Thornbury (Jody) fares less successfully. In fact, for some reason these two were absent from the first sequel. Angus Scrimm, as The Tall Man, is still effective in his creepy role, though less so with each passing film. Overall, Phantasm and Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead are recommended; Phantasm II is weak, but Phantasm: Oblivion exists for hardcore fans only - just barely.