Hey_Sweden

The 1984 film version of Stephen Kings' short story gets (rather than rates) a sequel which picks up shortly after the events of the first film. Authorities investigate the gruesome deaths of the adults in Gatlin, although in nearby Hemingford, the cycle starts up again. Another gang of juvenile cultists, spurred on by maniacal Micah (Ryan Bollman, "Only the Strong") wages war against their elders. A shady "journalist" (Terence Knox, "From a Whisper to a Scream") who's arrived in town for a last-chance assignment finds himself required to play the hero role.

The first film in this ongoing series (five more sequels followed, as well as more than one "reboot") was at least a total blast in its badness. It was deliciously campy & ridiculous, and had its fair share of memorable moments. This has very few, and Bollman himself is not as memorable an antagonist as John Franklin & Courtney Gains were as Isaac & Malachai.

Although the writers of this one try to inject a fresh wrinkle by including some Indian mysticism (Ned Romero of 'Dan August' is on hand to supply some wisdom & assistance), this lame sequel is largely uninspired, and full of inane characters whom it's hard to care much about.

Not that there isn't a laugh or two to be had, as witness the scene with the nosebleed in church, or the moment with the old lady in the wheelchair. "Bingo!"

Still, it's not surprising that this would be the last of these films to actually get a theatrical release.

Four out of 10.

Once again, the Enterprise crew must deal with an alien people - the Scalosians - who will do just about anything to survive. They manage to beam aboard the starship, and make numerous changes to suit their own needs.

However, this is not your run-of-the-mill invasion, as these people possess a unique gimmick: they live at such an accelerated speed that, to the crew of the ship, they exist as little more than a barely perceived presence that produce a buzzing, insect-like sound to human ears.

This is all the edge that this likeable - if not great - episode needs, and the cast & crew have some real fun with the premise. Kirk must again do some real problem-solving in order to gain the upper hand. It's also amusing to watch the regular cast basically try to "freeze" so that they can seem to be moving at a much slower speed than their nemeses. Kirk also gets another chance to be romantic, with the leader of the Scalosians, played winningly by the beautiful Kathie Browne (Mans' Favorite Sport?, the Hondo TV series), who was in real life the wife of Darren "Carl Kolchak" McGavin. Jason Evers (Escape from the Planet of the Apes, The Green Berets), Erik Holland (Stargate, Titanic '97), and Geoffrey Binney (Hot Potato, Raw Force) also guest star.

In conclusion, I will also say that the incidental music for Wink of an Eye, composed by Alexander Courage, is quite good and really sets the mood.

Seven out of 10.