In this sequel, the title creatures run amok at a college where the frats are very busy competing with each other to see who can pull the best pranks. Professor Ragnar (Kevin McCarthy) has had more than enough of them, but has discovered a means of dealing with them. Into his possession has come a comic book (with some pretty hilarious incantations) that allows him to control the Ghoulies, which have resurfaced. It's up to prank master Skip (Evan MacKenzie) to combat the professor, who progresses from infuriated to downright evil pretty quickly. Give writer Brent Olson and director John Carl Buechler credit: they don't really go for the horror here, as just about everything is played for laughs, including the Ghoulies. In fact, the Ghoulies - only three of them in number here (Rat, Cat, and Fish are their names) - definitely have a real Three Stooges thing going on. Hell, the damn things even *talk* now. And McCarthy, well, he's just wonderful. He doesn't act like this is beneath him, but just plays his demented role for all that it's worth. The supporting cast is pretty entertaining, and it's interesting to note the familiar faces popping up. Griffin O'Neal is kind of wasted as one of the frat dudes, but MacKenzie does have an amiable goofy charm going for him, John Johnston is appropriately odious as his nemesis Heilman (not exactly a subtle name), and Eva La Rue is very sexy and appealing as the leading lady. Stephen Lee of "Dolls" and "RoboCop 2" is amusing as the put upon campus security guard Barcus, Marcia Wallace is a member of the faculty, Jason Scott Lee is another frat dude, luscious Playboy Playmate Hope Marie Carlton is a hoot as a stuck up sorority babe, and a young Matthew Lillard, billed as Matthew Lynn, makes his film debut in a small role. Depending on ones' tastes, this film can come off as tiresome at times (it's pretty obnoxious throughout), but it does deliver some laughs and does have a certain manic energy, which can only be a good thing. Genre fans who appreciate horror comedies with an accent on the comedy may find this quite entertaining, others approach with caution. Six out of 10.
