Jeepers Creepers II

Despite the usual symptoms of sequelitis, Jeepers Creepers 2 delivers the goods for those who enjoyed the 2001 original--a group large enough to propel this sequel to a record-setting opening in August 2003. While establishing the flesh-eating "Creeper" as a new horror icon with frantic action and more elaborate special effects, writer-director Victor Salva follows the traditional formula, dispensing with plot almost altogether and focusing entirely on threat, menace, mayhem, and gore. That's likely to disappoint horror fans hoping for a more revealing exploration of the Creeper's origins (room for another sequel, perhaps?), and by trapping nondescript teens in a school bus attacked by the Creeper, Salva severely limits the movie's overall potential. Still, there's something to be said for straightforward shocks, and Jeepers Creepers 2 delivers enough of them to justify its profitable existence. --Jeff Shannon