To me, this movie is perfection.

Memorable, crazy movie

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Months before this film was released I read the book "Psycho II". This film is not that "Psycho II" . In fact the book is a mystery because Norman Bates has escaped and nobody knows where he is but bodies keep piling up. Now a film based on that book could not happen because "Norman" basically makes a cameo in the material. However this movie was a great follow up to the Hitchcock Classic. In delivers a believable story and if you are a huge fan of the original film then you might figure a few things out. I knew something was a miss but I do not want to spoil it. It has now been 22 years since Norman Bates was committed. He is now free because he was found "Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity". He is now back at his house and motel. He has a job at the diner. Things start going bad fast for Norman because "There are people that will not let him forget what he has done".Anthony Perkins returns as Norman. Vera Miles also returns as Lila. Meg Tilly and Robert Loggia round out a the cast. If you can watch it right after you have seen the original. The films play well back to back!

Although there was tremendous potential for a sequel to the original Hitchcock classic, and even good potential in the plot of this particular sequel, the film in itself just doesn't hold up. We're given an interesting premise during the first act of the film, which evolves intriguingly, but as we move more and more into the developments, we're given an absolute cluster of twist upon twits upon twist, and as a film-maker you can't do that. An experienced viewer will immediately feel jaded after a while, fooled almost, and the element of twist loses all its thrill and value when it is being shaken around all over. This along with the totally unnecessary and uncalled for graphic elements, and that entire final chapter of the movie really does come out as something of real silliness. It just turns kind of stupid and forced, really. Not nearly anywhere close to the subtlety this sort of film mandates, and that the original was so masterful at. It's just too much. There's way too much. The cinematography is very good though in parts, and the soundtrack is beautiful: about that, and finally, one could've wished less for the over-complicated route this sequel took, and rather for a more settled, contemplative sequel in that nostalgic tone this film sometimes generates - with a more simple, believable and mature development. This film is excess, overdone, on many levels 'too much' - although in its premise and in some regards it really had strong elements.

it is a great challenge to continue a masterpiece. but Richard Franklin does a great job and the performances of Vera Miles and Anthony Perkins represents the pillars of a decent thriller. the vulnerability of Norman Bates, the revenge, the tension, the ambiguity of atmosphere, the colors of house - all are perfect ingredients of a drama who gives new senses to the classic by Hitchcock. Meg Tilly is the great surprise, in a provocative role who use different shadows and nuances to create a special character. the film of the road to the normal life of Bates, interesting , credible exploration of the sides of the lead character, end of his story because the circle seems be complete.

Dear Richard Franklin, you did manage to make it big in the US with the sequel to Psycho. I enjoyed your Road Games the same week that I watched Psycho 2.Anthony Perkins sure worked in some unusual films like Psycho and Pretty Persuasion before he did Psycho 2. He did look pretty haggard in this film.What were you thinking casting Meg Tilly? She was awful. Physically unattractive and not much of an actress either.The idea to portray Norman Bates as a victim was a good one. Dennis Franz was awesome as ever, trying to mess up Bates civilian life. No wonder De Palma gave him some great roles.The plot was flimsy but intriguing and left the viewer wondering at the end. This was a really solid sequel. It did have some great shots of the house and the motel.There was hardly a dull moment. It was very enjoyable. It is almost like a film of the 60s made in color.Best Regards, Pimpin.(7/10)