The Jester 2 – Review (3/5)

THE JESTER 2 is a horror sequel to a horror movie where I adored the title character villain, but not the plot. Is this one better? Well, in some ways it is, while other areas are still lacking, but that villain rocks. Read our full The Jester 2 movie review here!

THE JESTER 2 is a horror movie and also a sequel (as revealed by the number 2 in the title), and it has a lot going for itself. Not least the villain title character, who I really enjoyed the first time around as well.

That first movie currently sits at a 3.9 IMDb rating, which is fair, but that villain deserves better. As stated in one review: “The actual title character, however, is one I would love to watch another movie with.”

Okay, it was me. I said that in our review of the movie. And now I’m getting another movie with this villain, which I was happy to watch. But did they fix the stuff that didn’t work? Well, they did and they didn’t.

Continue reading our The Jester 2 horror movie review below for more spoiler-free details.

The plot of The Jester sequel

Once again, it’s Halloween night, and “The Jester” is up to the same tricks as in the previous movie. Well, movie and short films for that matter. He has been quite a busy villain over the years.

In any case, the trickster with malevolent supernatural powers is back to killing his victims in creative ways. However, his plans for yet another eventful Halloween night are about to be messed up… by a 15-year-old girl.

That 15-year-old girl is Max (Kaitlyn Trentham), and she loves magic as well. She has dressed up as a magician and wants to show her magic tricks to people who are more preoccupied with her growing up.

In short, most people tease her relentlessly for her love of childish things because they believe she should be a moody teenager.

Except, of course, for The Jester, who loves magic tricks. And killing. Performed in that order, though I suspect he enjoys the killing part more.

What works better in the sequel?

To me, the addition of Max – wonderfully portrayed by Kaitlyn Trentham – and the story centering on her make The Jester 2 work better as a whole. We finally see someone manage to best The Jester, simply because he underestimates her.

Of course, this will ultimately force Max into a strange partnership, so it’s not like she’s a “winner” in this sick game. After she beats him in a trick, he needs her to continue his traditional Halloween night killings.

I don’t want to give away anything else about the movie. You need to experience that for yourself. I will, however, point out that the practical effects are still at the forefront, which is something else that worked for the first movie as well.

Quick note on Max: For the love of all that you hold dear, kids will grow up fast enough, so please allow them to hold on to playful innocence for as long as they desire. My heart broke for Max when people wanted her to grow up faster.

Watch The Jester 2 in theaters – or on VOD later

The Jester 2 was written and directed by Colin Krawchuk, who also wrote and directed the first movie. Playing the title character is once again Michael Sheffield, and I still feel it’s a perfect character to dress up as for Halloween.

If we did half-ratings here at Heaven of Horror, I would probably give it a 2½ out of 5. There are still elements of the story and pace that I could (and should) be better. Still, I am pulling it up to a 3 due to the better overall story and plot.

But, please, give me more on the title character already. Maybe a prequel to give us his origin story? Hey, I wished for another movie with The Jester in my review of the first movie, so I might as well try to “work my magic” again this time around.

The Jester 2 is in theaters nationwide for two days only: September 15 and 16, 2025. Make sure you get your tickets and enjoy it in a theater with other horror fans. DREAD and Fathom Entertainment are releasing.

The Jester 2 will be out on VOD later – we’ll list the date once we have it.

Details

Director: Colin Krawchuk
Writer: Colin Krawchuk
Cast: Michael Sheffield, Kaitlyn Trentham, Jessica Ambuehl, Dingani Beza