A Forgotten Sequel to One of the Most Underrated Horror Films of the ‘90s Is Now Free to Stream

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The supernatural horror film “Wishmaster,” directed by Robert Kurtzman, is often overlooked as one of the most underappreciated genre movies from the ’90s. This film serves as an enthusiastic tribute to the horror industry, brilliantly demonstrating the captivating capabilities of practical effects. In fact, some viewers might even describe it as grotesque, a sentiment that holds truth. Yet, for aficionados of horror, this is part of the charm. The movie may not have made significant profits at the box office upon its release in 1997, but it truly found its audience on home video. Consequently, Artisan Entertainment commissioned the direct-to-video sequel “Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies,” with Jack Sholder (of “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge”) penning and directing. Similar to its precursor, “Wishmaster 2” remains largely unnoticed outside of a devoted fanbase.

Delighting in the blend of grisly practical effects and cheesy humor? You’re in luck! Here’s a film that seems to have fallen through the cracks, but it’s still available for your viewing pleasure on Tubi.

Wishmaster 2 Is a Forgotten Relic of the ‘90s Ready for Rediscovery

Given that Wishmaster 2 didn’t receive a theatrical release, it slipped into obscurity even faster than its original. However, for those who appreciate a dose of unconventional fun and enjoyment, replete with messy practical effects from Optical Illusions, Inc., this film is sure to strike a chord.

In this less recognized sequel, we find ourselves following Morgana (played by Holly Fields), a good-hearted burglar who unintentionally sets free an incredibly potent genie-like entity known as a Djinn during a failed heist. Scrambling from the scene, Morgana leaves behind the Djinn, who then takes the blame for the crime and serves time in prison. Once released, this enigmatic character employs his otherworldly powers to amass souls, with the ultimate aim of summoning hell on earth.

The protagonist, Fields, is competent, but it’s Divoff’s portrayal of the Djinn in disguise that truly steals the scene. He imbues the role with an uncanny delight and seems to revel in his actions. His constant, chilling grin, which verges on the inhuman, fits perfectly for a supernatural character masquerading as human.

Every time the Djinn tricks an unaware target into making a wish they’ll later regret, Divoff’s eyes gleam with delight and he seems utterly ecstatic. His portrayal can be comical at times, sometimes even venturing into exaggerated territory; yet, he manages to maintain control so as not to appear too cartoonish. In truth, Divoff’s actions and speech, along with his single-minded pursuit of destruction, make him a villain that hits the perfect note.

Despite not being as formidable as Freddy Krueger, Divoff’s Djinn may captivate fans of Freddy by drawing from a similar blend of threatening and amusing elements. His comedic style offers a break from the story’s tension, allowing us to appreciate the absurdity of the situation. In fact, his knack for subtle humor seems to add a touch of humanity to the character. For many fans, he is the most appealing aspect of the first two movies.

It’s a pity that Divoff didn’t appear in the third and fourth series versions, as his role was taken over by John Novak. This could be one of many reasons why these films are less popular than the first two. Not only did changing the main character cause some turbulence, but the quality also seemed to drop with each subsequent release, which might explain why later installments didn’t have as much impact.

Overall, “Wishmaster 2” can be described as an outrageous but entertaining sequel to a ’90s horror movie that was not given its due recognition. The film stands out thanks to Divoff’s exceptional portrayal of the malevolent genie and gory special effects that are sure to make you uncomfortable. The blend of campy elements with intense violence creates some memorable scenes, making it a flick that’s worth revisiting. If you’re curious about “Wishmaster 2”, you can find it on Tubi and give it a try.

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2025-07-18 02:11