The Psycho Sequels.

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Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is what it is. A legendary Horror-Thriller from a legendary director. One of the five most well-known Horror films of all time. But I've chosen to disclude it from this review, as I'd like to focus on the underrated sequels that would follow many years later. A trilogy of sorts that gives the fans, as well as Norman Bates himself, the closure we never knew we wanted. Psycho is a classic, and a follow up of any kind might not have been completely necessary. Much less three of them. And Hitchcock not being around to over see this revival doesn't do it any favors. But between 1983 and 1990, three different directors gave us three different follow ups with three very different tones. Maybe none of which quite as memorable as the almighty original, but these are three worthy sequels, nonetheless.

Director, Richard Franklin had some mighty big shoes to fill in 1983. A sequel 23 years in the making was to be made and he was the one to make it. For any Psycho fan who hasn't seen this film, the thought of a Psycho II coming out of the 80's may sound a bit off-putting, as this decade is mostly known for cheesy, bad entertainment with little to no point, but truth be told, Psycho II is anything but "One of those 80's Horrors". A film with its own distinct score and somber tone which very much makes it its own movie, and brings back a creepy, yet endearing character by the name of Norman Bates. And without making a total joke of him, I might add. For over 20 years, Norman Bates has been locked away, and today, he has been declared sane.


As we see a judge let Norman out of the nut house, we also notice that Lila Loomis is present, and she's steaming mad. Lila Loomis is the sister of the woman Norman stabbed to death in the now-legendary shower scene. Lila doesn't really care if Norman is cured or not. She wants him locked away forever. And one can't blame her for her biased attitude. But like it or not. Norman is cured, and he's eager to get home. This movie doesn't waste any time showing us examples of things that have changed about society since Norman has been gone., except maybe the the Bates Motel. The slob running the place has turned the family business into a sleazy dump where people come to do drugs and have one night stands. Norman quickly takes care of him the best way he knows how... By firing him, of course. Besides restoring the motel, Norman has also landed a job at a local diner, where he makes friends with a girl named Mary, who needs a place to stay. Norman, being the good Samaritan, offers to let her stay with him in the house. Mary seems to like Norman, and even feels bad for him. But she is caught in the middle of a plot by her mother, Lila Loomis, to drive Norman back to insanity. A carefully planned scheme that could easily backfire if not handled carefully Mary is torn between family loyalty and the right thing. Despite everything Lila says, Mary believes Norman is fully rehabilitated, and deserves a fair shot at getting his life back together. But there is a lot going on that we don't know about. Murders are happening again. We get the idea it might not be Norman, but we're never sure. All of this leads to a twist that very well may change everything forever.

This might not be the most popular opinion in the world, but I happen to prefer Psycho II over all the others, including the original. It might have something to do with the fact that it was the first one I saw as a kid. On top of that, I just have a thing for a part 2 that is actually great. A rarity, in my opinion. But Psycho II is great. And everyone involved did a superb job. Especially Anthony Perkins, whose interpretation of a middle-aged Norman is as interesting as one would hope for. And the older and bitter Lila was a nice touch. I love everything about this movie, and again, feel like no further sequels were needed, as things seemed pretty cool the way they left them. But this IS the 80's, after all. And the 80's demands more sequels! 10/10

Again. A Psycho III wasn't necessary. But why not see what happens when Anthony Perkins himself takes a crack at directing one of these. Yes. This is an Anthony Perkins film. And we are now smack dab in the middle of the 80's. And it shows. I wouldn't call this an official slasher, but Psycho III does have that cheesy 80's Slasher vibe to it. This movie doesn't have the original to live up to as much as the previous installment, This one's all about the trashy, bloody fun. So, now, let's see what's been going on with Norman. But first, let's meet our little ray of sunshine, Maureen.

THEEEERE IS NOOOO GOD!!!!!

Those are the first words we hear as this movie begins. Maureen is a nun, and she seems to not be 100% okay with her chosen profession. Maureen is hysterical and about to jump to her death. Not having a god day That's made pretty clear from the beginning. One of her fellow partners in crime falls to her death while trying to help her. Maureen feels like this might be a good time to find a new place to live. So, she hightails it, only to get picked up by a shmuck named Duane. Played by the legendary Jeff Fahey. He tries being friendly, but Maureen's not having it. The classy Duane kicks her out in the rain the second he realizes she wants nothing to do with his penis. Duane is a shady little bastard who probably fancies himself a playboy, and probably thinks he's a far better liar than he is. He stops at a motel up the road, and soon notices there is a job opening. He figures he could use a few bucks, so, he askes the man in charge, and is soon hired. Duane is now assistant manager at the Bates Motel.

Soon, Maureen catches up with Duane, and also catches Norman's eye not long after arriving. Norman now has two visitors. One who obviously can't be trusted. And the other, a damaged ex-nun, just looking for a reason to off herself. Norman doesn't have time for this shit, as he still has his own issues to deal with, considering "Mother" is now back in his life. We never learn much about Maureen, or why she is the way she is, but we know she's confused and vulnerable. Despite an attraction, she freaks Norman out, due to a striking resemblance to Marion Crane. At least in Norman's eyes. Although, Diana Scarwid ain't no Janet Leigh. Meanwhile, Duane, the opportunist, is being coaxed into spying on his new employer, by a reporter, who is getting far too close to the truth. And the truth is, Norman is back to doing his thing: Killing in drag. And at this point, nobody is safe from "Mother".

It was a fun, semi-sleazy installment. But not exactly necessary, It could not exist and the series would have ended up no different. Psycho III is Just for fun. And probably Perkins' most entertaining performance as Norman. Duane didn't do it for me, but Maureen made a believable love interest for Norman, as he finally found a soul as lost as his own, only for his demons to threaten it all. A bleak story where the stench of religion seems to linger. Unnecessary or not, I'm glad it exists. 6/10

Or does it exist? According to 1990's Psycho IV, I'm not so sure. In fact, I'm thinking Psycho IV is trying to be the new Psycho II, as it seems to ignore everything that's happened since the original movie. Not cool. But here we have another Psycho sequel. A sequel which serves as prequel, with many a flashback, detailing Norman's younger years, growing up with Mother. But still sequel enough to be a sequel. But definitely not a part 2. It IS called Psycho IV, after all.

https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/psycho/images/8/8c/Husseylarge1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130518175541 I'm not positive if the previous sequels are being disowned, here, but definitely ignored. Either way, Norman is a free man, once again. Living in another house with his wife, although, it isn't clear how long they've been married. Norman seems okay. He's hanging out at the house by himself, tonight, and has decided to call in a radio talk show where the topic of the night is Matricide. He calls in, and under a fake name, gives his two cents on the subject. As ratings rise, Norman is convinced to tell more and more of his story. First, giving details on his first couple murders after Mother's death. And eventually going back further and giving us a glimpse of what it was like growing up Norma Bates' son. The mood swings, the abuse, the sexual feelings she made him feel, only to make him feel like shit about it. Norman loved her, and was as dedicated as a son could possibly be. He didn't mind the abuse because he understood her. But when Norma moves in her new man, Norman's understanding quickly turns to jealousy. Norman puts up with the new beau for a while, but is clearly simmering. The abuse is fine as long as he's the only man in her life. And currently, he is not. The feeling of rejection is what finally did it for Norman. And as for our present day Norman. He's informed our radio host that he has plans to commit one last murder which will put an end to the madness. Atleast in his own mind.

One thing is for sure. Norman is really bad at imitating his mother's voice. I doubt Olivia Hussey will ever sound like that no matter how long she lives. But I like Psycho IV. I definitely do not love it, nor do I favor it over the others. But Mick Garris' Psycho IV gets respect for trying something a little different and it not backfiring. A semi-prequel which explores Norman's background was the way to go for the final installment. Psycho IV, above all, gives plenty of closure to Psycho fans, as well as the character of Norman Bates, which Anthony Perkins played so well. 6/10

Again. Not that any sequel was ever needed for Hitchcock's classic, but I think it all went pretty well. Watching all three of these films, recently, I couldn't help but notice that these films are all a good example of how horror movies evolved from the early/mid-80's to early 90's. In my opinion, Psycho II is the stronger of the three. And has a little bit of that leftover quality the 70's enjoyed. Psycho III, while entertaining, is the only expendable. It feels as if the series is just sort of killing time and having some fun between 2 and 4. Psycho III is simply there if you want it. Psycho IV recaptures a little more of the old school Horror feel. And maybe a bit of a TV movie feel at the same time. Or maybe that's just me. Three great sequels which don't seem to piss off very many fans of the original. Something I would have assumed would be an easy thing to do. So, thank you Richard Franklin, Anthony Perkins and Mick Garris for not fucking this up. I think Hitchcock would be proud... On second thought. He probably wouldn't.



#Slasher