VelociPastor 2 Brings Low-Budget Dinosaur Comedy to Italy
In a recent review for GeekTyrant, critic Lila Roberts examines VelociPastor 2, arguing that the sequel successfully captures the absurd, low-budget lunacy of its predecessor while taking on Italian giallo horror conventions. The film brings back Greg Cohan as Father Doug Jones and Alyssa Kempinski as Carol, following the couple as they travel to a cheap cinematic approximation of Italy to investigate a series of bizarre murders.
Director Jesse Gouldsbury Takes Over
Original filmmaker Brendan Steere hands the directing reins to Jesse Gouldsbury for the sequel, while staying on as co-writer. The production raised more than $118,000 via a Kickstarter campaign, marking a substantial increase from the original movie’s roughly $36,000 budget. GeekTyrant reported that despite the extra funding, the sequel retains its proudly homemade aesthetic, complete with deliberately unpolished dinosaur costumes, obvious stunt dummies, and intentionally awkward continuity.
Cast Commitments and Giallo Influences
The sequel leans heavily into Italian giallo tropes, featuring black-gloved killers, theatrical violence, and melodramatic tropes. Greg Cohan stars with a new mustache alongside returning cast members including Daniel Steere as mentor Father James Stewart, while Frankie Kevich joins the ensemble as a villain. Roberts notes in the GeekTyrant column that the cast’s absolute sincerity makes the cheap sets and absurd premises significantly funnier for audiences.
Crowd Reception at FilmQuest
The movie played to enthusiastic crowds at FilmQuest. GeekTyrant noted that the feature is specifically built to be experienced in a packed theater with a rowdy audience yelling at the screen. Roberts argues that the film’s total lack of cynicism and genuine affection for trash cinema help it overcome occasional pacing lags and overstretched comedic gags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote and directed VelociPastor 2?
Jesse Gouldsbury directed the sequel, taking over from original filmmaker Brendan Steere. Steere remains involved with the project as a co-writer.
How much money did the sequel raise on Kickstarter?
The production secured over $118,000 through crowdfunding, expanding upon the roughly $36,000 budget of the first film.
Where did VelociPastor 2 screen for audiences?
The horror-comedy played to positive audience reactions at the FilmQuest festival.
Worth a look