Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer 2 is a sequel that doesn't work without original lead Michael Rooker. The original Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer is a low-budget horror movie from director John McNaughton that is still one of the most disturbing films ever made. It provided Michael Rooker with his first lead as the title character, a drifter who kills people at random. He teaches his methods to depraved friend Otis, and the two carry out a killing spree while Henry grows close to Otis' sister. The film is loosely based on the real crimes of Henry Lee Lucas with McNaughton shooting it in a stark, documentary-style, and the movie features several scenes of shocking violence that caused its release to be delayed for years.
Despite this, Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer launched Michael Rooker's career, helping him land roles in Eight Men Out, Mississippi Burning and Sea Of Love. Rooker would go on to become a character actor who frequently stole scenes from much bigger stars in movies like Cliffhanger, Mallrats and Slither. In 2010 he first appeared as Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead, who became a recurring fan-favorite on the show. He's arguably best-known nowadays for playing Yondu in both Guardian Of The Galaxy movies and will reunite with director James Gunn for The Suicide Squad.
Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer ends with Henry moving on without being caught for his crimes. This was never intended as a sequel setup, though John McNaughton briefly developed a follow-up dubbed Henry: Superstar Of Crime. This would have picked up shortly after the original with Henry arrested and becoming a media sensation, just like the real Lucas. This didn't happen and instead, director Chuck Parello took the reins for Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer 2.
Also known as Mask Of Sanity, Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer 2 cast Neil Giuntoli - who had supporting roles in the likes of Child's Play and Waterworld - as Henry. The movie opens with the character now homeless and landing a job delivering porta-potties. This is where he befriends Kai, who brings him back to stay at his house with wife Cricket (Kate Walsh, Grey's Anatomy) and her niece Louisa, who falls for Henry. Like the original, Henry soon teaches Kai his murderous ways, which doesn't end well for anyone.
Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer 2 gets a bad rap, which isn't entirely fair. It commits to the scuzzy, lo-fo tone set by the original, it's murder scenes are suitably unpleasant and Giuntoli does a decent job with the role. The trouble is Michael Rooker gave such an unforgettable turn as Henry there's no replacement would do, and Giuntoli can't recreate the eerie stillness of Rooker's work. Rooker was offered the sequel but opted out and while he could have helped elevate it, he probably realized there was no way Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer 2 would top the original - and he was right.