Mannequin 2: On the Move

The movie's title was apt since Jessie, the peasant girl turned Mannequin, this time was on the run (in the modern times) away from Count Sprezle, a descendant of the Sorcerer from the middle ages. Through the course of the movie, Jason and Hollywood teamed up to help free Jessie from the Count who at the end swallowed 'his' own medicine -he was petrified when the amulet was set on his neck until true love releases him from the spell. The film was enjoyable to a 16 yr old high school student when it was first released and ten yrs later, I still enjoyed watching the film which was aired last week on cable. I liked the idea of the 'what if' scenario, of an individual trapped for many years in a form of a mannequin and that love will find its way to that person again to set Jessie free. I have seen the first Mannequin movie, unfortunately, it didn't pique my interest unlike the sequel. I didn't quite understand how an Egyptian princess could end up as a mannequin.

Sure, its not up to the original and on a cerebral scale it wouldn't even register a reading - but so what? I cannot fathom however, why, with the number of quite acceptable reviews it has pulled here, the flick is locked-in to a voting poll of just 2.8 ?? Queen of the B-Graders Kristy Swanson does an acceptable job as the mannequin - she never CLAIMED to be Vivian Leigh! Whatever else she may be, she's uniquely wholesome and appealing and in a little flick like this she's all you need. William Ragsdale is another mega clean-cut youngster (He's 42 now, can u believe?) who in his just nine movies has never to my knowledge uttered a single profanity! No matter he has been immortalised as Charlie Brewster in the two FRIGHT NIGHT movies both of which just get better with time! Terry Kiser, the long suffering deceased Bernie in the two WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S movies turns up in another offbeat little characterisation as the sorcerer. Hell, leave the flick alone - my kids love it!

You know where you stand with "Mannequin 2" early on, when you find out that the unfunniest character of the original has returned - and he has a bigger role to boot! The "romance" part of the film is still kind of sweet, but Ragsdale is no Andrew McCarthy, and Kristy Swanson, unlike Kim Cattrall, doesn't bring any personality to her character; she's beautiful but bland. In fact, that's the word that most accurately sums up the movie: bland. Its comic invention extends to "funny" accents, homosexual gags and chases in toy cars. If you like this sort of thing, go for it. (*1/2)

"Mannequin 2" is not better than the original, but sure it's a great light comedy. I'd say that it's perfect to watch this movie with your sweetheart, or by yourself if you're in the mood for silly jokes, and a silly plot, but hey!!! you'll enjoy it. William Ragsdale's role kinda reminded me his role in "Fright Night", he is dumb, but gets what he wants, but maybe it's just my imagination. Kirsty Swanson looks great, and is OK, ... oh yeah, she was hot! mmmh Meshach Taylor gives the most homosexual performance in a 90's comedy movie. And Gail's character was OK because Julie Foreman is so pretty. Don't expect too much of this movie, have a nice time watching it!

Anyone who sees this movie could judge it low on the score list if compared to other movies. It may not be the best movie made but it has enough humor and the romantic theme still works i think like the original version. --Hollywood Montrose is as funny as EVER!!!-- (P.S. This title was only available on VHS and LASERDISC .....the lasersdisc was of very good quality i "own" it still! I will be the first in line for the DVD version if it ever surfaces!)