The film opens with a heist: Morgana “Morgan” Trudeau and her boyfriend Gregory steal a large, ornate statue from a museum. During the heist, they discover a hidden compartment containing a carved ruby. When Gregory cuts his hand, his blood drips onto the gem, releasing the Djinn (Andrew Divoff). The Djinn’s first act is to twist Gregory’s wish (“I wish we hadn’t come here”) by rewinding time, placing him back in prison.
The Djinn, adopting the alias Nathaniel Demerest, gets himself arrested to follow Morgan, who is also imprisoned after the botched heist. Inside the prison, the Djinn begins manipulating inmates and staff, granting wishes with horrifying results:
Morgan, who discovers she has the ability to unwish (revoke wishes), becomes the Djinn’s primary target. He needs her to make the final wish that will allow him to collect 1,001 souls and open the gateway for his kind. The climax occurs in a chapel, where Morgan uses her unwish power to destroy the Djinn, but the ruby remains intact, implying the cycle can continue.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
“Be careful what you wish for… the Djinn is back, and he’s taking no prisoners.”
Title: 💎 Sinister Sequels: Revisiting 'Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies' 💎
If there is one rule in horror, it’s that you can’t keep a good (or bad) Djinn down. Tonight, we’re cracking open the mythic fire opal to talk about the 1999 sequel, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies.
While the original 1997 film is a beloved cult classic produced by horror legends Wes Craven and Robert Englund, the sequel had big shoes to fill. Taking the franchise straight-to-video, director Jack Sholder shifted the tone slightly, trading the high-society art world for gritty prison corridors and casino heists.
Why it’s worth a revisit:
🔹 Andrew Divoff Returns: The heart of these first two films is Divoff’s portrayal of the Djinn. He is equal parts charming, terrifying, and theatrical. His twisted interpretation of the "Monkey's Paw" trope—where wishes are granted in the most literal, gruesome ways possible—is still the highlight of the franchise.
🔹 The Poker Scene: Without spoiling too much, the casino sequence provides some of the most creative and darkly comedic deaths in the series. It proves that you should never make a bet with an ancient evil.
🔹 The Prison Setting: Moving the action to a penitentiary creates a unique claustrophobia. Watching the Djinn manipulate hardened criminals offers a different kind of tension than the first film's gallery setting.
The Verdict: It may not have the same star-studded cameos as the original, but Evil Never Dies leans fully into the camp and gore that late-90s horror fans crave. It’s a fun, bloody ride that asks the important question: What would you wish for if you knew it would kill you? Wishmaster 2- Evil Never Dies
🔥 Rating: 3/5 Fire Opals
Did you prefer the first Wishmaster or the sequel? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#Wishmaster2 #EvilNeverDies #HorrorMovies #90sHorror #AndrewDivoff #Djinn #HorrorSequel #CultClassic #MovieReview #ScreamFactory
Do not go into Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies expecting high art. Go into it expecting a movie where a man wishes himself into a stained-glass window, a woman wishes for a "big break" and has her spine snapped in half, and a demon in a three-piece suit delivers punchlines over a pile of corpses.
It is fast. It is mean. It is hilarious. And it proves, definitively, that evil never dies—it just goes straight to video.
Final Verdict: A messy, ambitious, and wildly entertaining sequel that understands the wish-fulfillment genre better than most big-budget films. Andrew Divoff is a horror icon. The prison setting is inspired. And that self-impalement scene? Worth the price of admission alone.
Keywords used: Wishmaster 2, Evil Never Dies, Andrew Divoff, horror sequel, cult classic, Djinn, 90s horror, direct-to-video, prison horror.
For Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies , "feature" typically refers to the film's inclusion in a double feature DVD set alongside the original 1997 Wishmaster. DVD Double Feature Details
This release is a popular way to own the first two films in the series. It was produced by LIONSGATE (formerly Artisan Entertainment) and is widely available through retailers like Amazon and eBay . Format: Widescreen, NTSC, Anamorphic Color.
Total Runtime: Approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes (186 minutes combined).
Rating: R (Restricted) for severe violence, gore, and profanity. Language: English. Region: 1 (US and Canada). Special Features (Wishmaster 2)
While often described as having a "lack of features" compared to later sequels, certain editions (like the Horror DNA review of the Blu-ray collection) include:
Audio Commentary: Featuring writer/director Jack Sholder, moderated by Michael Felsher of Red Shirt Pictures. The film opens with a heist: Morgana “Morgan”
Production Trivia: For example, actor Andrew Divoff (the Djinn) famously does not blink during his performances, even in scenes lasting over two minutes. Film Overview
Released straight-to-video in 1999, this sequel stars Andrew Divoff as the malevolent Djinn.
Plot: The Djinn is accidentally freed during a botched heist and intentionally goes to prison to collect the 1,000 souls required to trigger a prophecy that would allow his race to take over Earth.
Tone: Critics note that while it maintains the "creature feature" horror elements of the original, this installment leans more into dark humor and "campy" dialogue.
The 1999 horror film "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is a sequel to the moderately successful 1997 film "Wishmaster," which itself was inspired by the classic horror movie "Dreamscape" (1984). While the first film received mixed reviews, the sequel attempts to build upon the mythology and lore established in the original, with a more focused narrative and intense scares. Despite its limitations, "Wishmaster 2" has carved out a niche for itself within the horror genre, appealing to fans of supernatural thrillers.
The film takes place two years after the events of the first movie, with the demon Nibbler still on the loose, seeking to grant twisted wishes to unsuspecting victims. The story follows a new protagonist, Eric (played by Chris Lemche), who becomes embroiled in a series of gruesome murders linked to Nibbler's evil influence. As Eric navigates the complex web of wishes and consequences, he must confront the demon and prevent further bloodshed.
One of the standout aspects of "Wishmaster 2" is its exploration of the concept of wish-granting and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control. The film cleverly subverts the traditional notion of wishes as benevolent and selfless acts, instead revealing the darker aspects of human nature. The characters' wishes, often motivated by greed, revenge, or lust, ultimately lead to their downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition.
The film's use of practical effects and makeup is notable, particularly in the creative and gory death scenes. The kills are graphically intense, showcasing the inventive and sadistic methods Nibbler employs to dispatch his victims. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, even by today's standards, adding to the overall tension and unease.
The cast of "Wishmaster 2" delivers solid performances, with Chris Lemche bringing a likable everyman quality to the lead role. The supporting cast, including Wendy Malick and Simon Quarry, add to the sense of unease and paranoia that pervades the film. The character development, while not extensive, is sufficient to make the audience invest in their fates.
A significant improvement over the first film is the sequel's more streamlined narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, moving swiftly between set pieces and character-driven moments. The script, written by Todd Farmer and Gary Daube, expands on the mythology of Nibbler and the wish-granting concept, introducing new twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged.
Despite its strengths, "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is not without its limitations. Some critics argue that the film's R-rated gore and violence overshadow its more thoughtful themes, detracting from the overall impact. Additionally, the movie's climax, while intense, feels somewhat rushed and convenient.
In conclusion, "Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies" is a satisfying sequel that builds upon the foundation established in the original film. With its effective use of practical effects, solid performances, and streamlined narrative, the movie offers a compelling and unsettling viewing experience. While not perfect, the film's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control make it a worthwhile addition to the horror genre. For fans of supernatural thrillers and those who appreciate a well-crafted scare, "Wishmaster 2" remains a worthy watch.
Andrew Divoff returns as the malevolent Djinn in Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies, a 1999 sequel that leans harder into the dark irony and "be careful what you wish for" horror that made the original a cult favorite. While many direct-to-video sequels of the late 90s fell flat, this installment remains a standout for fans of practical effects and supernatural slashers. The Plot: Be Careful What You Wish For Morgan, who discovers she has the ability to
The story kicks off when a botched museum heist accidentally releases the Djinn from his fire opal prison. After taking the soul of one of the thieves, the Djinn assumes his human form as Nathaniel Demerest and allows himself to be incarcerated.
His goal is tactical: he needs to collect 1,001 souls to trigger the apocalypse and free his fellow Djinn. What better place to harvest "wishes" than a prison full of desperate men willing to trade their souls for freedom, revenge, or a simple cigarette?
Meanwhile, Morgana (Holly Fields), the thief who survived the opening heist, begins experiencing psychic visions of the Djinn's carnage. Haunted by guilt, she teams up with a priest to find a way to banish the ancient evil back into the stone. The Performance: Andrew Divoff’s Last Dance
The undisputed highlight of Wishmaster 2 is Andrew Divoff. His portrayal of the Djinn is a masterclass in sinister charisma. Unlike other silent slashers like Michael Myers, the Djinn is loquacious and witty, finding sadistic loopholes in every wish granted.
Divoff’s ability to move between the heavy prosthetics of the Djinn’s true form and the eerie, cold stillness of Nathaniel Demerest provides the film with its backbone. This would unfortunately be Divoff's last time playing the character, and many fans argue the franchise lost its magic when he departed. Creative Carnage and Practical Effects
Director Jack Sholder (who also directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 2) brings a twisted sense of humor to the kill scenes. The film is famous for its literal interpretations of wishes, including:
The Lawyer: When a lawyer wishes his client could "walk," his legs are snapped and he is forced to shuffle like a crab.
The Prison Break: A prisoner wishes to "pass through" the bars of his cell, resulting in a gruesome, bone-crushing transformation.
The Casino Massacre: The film's climax features a high-stakes wish that turns a room of gamblers into a literal bloodbath of slot machine-style gore. Legacy and Reception
While it didn’t have the star-studded horror cameos of the first film (which featured Robert Englund and Kane Hodder), Wishmaster 2 is often praised for being more focused and mean-spirited. It embraces the absurdity of its premise while delivering the high-quality prosthetic work that 90s horror is known for.
For fans of the genre, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies serves as a perfect time capsule of late-90s horror—campy, creative, and undeniably fun.
The sequel emphasizes practical creature effects and makeup, delivering a variety of inventive kills and body-mutation sequences typical of late-1990s direct-to-video horror. Budget constraints are evident in some settings and CGI moments, but many fans appreciate the hands-on effects work and the creative kills.
Upon release, the film received mixed to negative reviews. Critics praised Andrew Divoff’s commitment to the role but criticized the script’s logic and the reduced production values.
Wishmaster 2 leans into dark humor and gross-out body horror, blending practical effects and makeup-driven transformations with a pulp sensibility. Compared with the atmospheric menace of the original, this sequel moves faster and opts for more explicit, often gory set pieces, trading subtle dread for frequently macabre spectacle.
Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies is the direct-to-video sequel to the 1997 cult horror film Wishmaster. Directed by Jack Sholder (known for A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 and The Hidden), the film follows the ancient, malevolent djinn (genie) as he is accidentally released from his prison of carved ruby. Continuing the premise of the original, the djinn attempts to gather 1,001 souls to unleash hell on Earth, using his power to grant twisted interpretations of people’s wishes. The sequel shifts the setting from a metropolitan museum to a prison environment, but retains a heavy reliance on practical gore effects, cameos, and the iconic performance of Andrew Divoff as the Djinn.
