The memories I have of watching USA’s Up All Night are still pretty vivid despite it having aired over thirty years ago. I remember many of the films Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried hosted on the late-night program. For better or worse, one such film is the 1988 cult classic Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama from director David DeCoteau.
The film about a devilish imp wreaking havoc in a bowling alley after hours has become a cult classic that people still remember fondly for its over-the-top nature and unforgettable title. Thanks to Charles Band and Full Moon Features, the sequel we never really wanted but kind of needed has finally arrived. Thirty-five years after the original, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 is here.
After the horrible events that took place for the Pi-Ep sorority house many years ago, they’re just barely surviving on campus. With only a couple of pledges to keep them going, the remaining girls are determined to make it work with what they have. Their housemother, Auntie Snake (Kelli Maroney), warns Sarah (Jessie Gill) of the dangers of following the tradition since her sister was the only survivor of the bowling alley massacre many years ago.
Defying Snake’s wishes, she sets up her initiation prank at the same bowling alley, only to have the cycle start all over again. Bitsy (Glory Rodriguez) discovers the trophy, and the smart-mouthed imp finds his way out to continue his mischievous ways.
Brinke Stevens, who starred in the original Sorority Babes, makes her feature film directorial debut with this sequel. She captures the tone and playfulness of the original film, making part two every bit as fun as the first. The jokes are in poor taste, the characters aren’t particularly smart, and the imp is hilariously funny, making this a perfect time waster.
The thing about these newer Full Moon films is that they’re not long. Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 only runs an hour, so you’re never investing too much time. Just shut your brain off and escape into the ridiculous antics on display. It’s not particularly gory, but the college kids get their wishes twisted before being granted, and the results are pretty inventive.
The young cast is quite talented, playing the characters over the top without being too unhinged. Seeing Kelli Maroney join the franchise playing a badass is also a treat. Stevens and her co-star from the original, Michelle Bauer, have cameos, closely linking the films.
The disc contains a behind-the-scenes featurette and trailers to round out what is sure to become a highly sought-after disc, especially for fans of campy ’80s movies. Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 hits all the right notes. It pays homage to the film that came before while managing to stand on its own as a modern campy classic.
Brinke Stevens proves just how multi-talented she is, and hopefully, this is the first of many feature films for her. If anyone can keep the essence of ’80s B-movies alive, it’s Brinke Stevens.
