Creepshow 2 (1987): Ten classic quotes and why they’re so great!

Creepshow 2 — Courtesy of Warner Bros.

As most horror fans know, plans are in effect for a “Creepshow” series. Here are 10 quotes from Creepshow 2 and some comments!

The original Creepshow set the bar pretty high for anthology horror, and few movies/TV shows truly compare to it in terms of storytelling, or matching a horror comicbook vibe. So, how does Creepshow 2 hold up compared to the original? Pretty well, despite not having as long a run time and despite lack of critical acclaim. In fact, like with the first one, part of Creepshow 2’s success comes from its memorable quotes. Here are ten of those suckers right now!

1. “Thanks for the ride, lady!” — The Hitchhiker

When most people think of Creepshow 2, this is probably the first quote that comes to their mind. It is nice, simple and straight to the point. It’s sort of like the story itself. “The Hitch-hiker” is a very simple story overall. Basically, the only complicated factor is the audience, who may feel a bit conflicted over what’s happening. When Annie Lansing (Lois Chiles) first hits the Hitchhiker, we know it’s an accident and may partly sympathize with her. However, as she begins to rationalize her hit-and-run, we see that she’s indeed a very selfish woman. At the same time — though few would admit it — , a hit-and-run is a very understandable crime. Who wants to go to prison for an accident? And that could very easily be Mrs. Lansing’s fate, so she drives off, trying to pretend nothing’s happened. Of course, life (or death) has other plans.

Tom Wright in Creepshow 2

When the Hitchhiker (Tom Wright) comes back with a vengeance, taunting her with those words and stubbornly refusing to die, the viewer’s judgment becomes complicated once again. We may stand with the Hitchhiker, feeling his spirited and torturous revenge is justified, but the whole thing becomes pretty relentless.

One may easily go back to sympathizing with Mrs. Lansing, who is perhaps more traumatized than the Hitchhiker ever was. It’s all a true blue WTF moment. The result is (or at least should be) an internal moral tennis match where we identify with both victim and perpetrator, because they’re contsantly switching roles, and that is what good horror sometimes does. It complicates things, even with a simple story. Also, “Thanks for the ride, lady” could be a wonderfully obnoxious ringtone and deep inside joke for true horror nerds.

2. [Stroking his long hair and smiling] “This hair’s gonna get me paid ‘n laid!” — Sam Whitemoon

You wouldn’t know it from looking at him, or listening to him speak, or seeing what he does, but Sam Whitemoon (Holt McCallany) is kind of a classic character. He’s a one-of-a-kind character, with psychological motives too complicated for his simple mind. For whatever reason, Sam Whitemoon really thinks he’ll have success in Hollywood despite being a violent criminal and thief. Implied is some great need to escape his roots. The apparent originality and quirkiness of the character makes him seem plausible, like a crazy, jangling bundle of nerves, neuroses and self-hatred topped with beautiful hair. Sam Whitemoon never makes it to Hollywood, but he does die trying, which ought to mean something.   While it’s increasingly controversial for a “white dude” to play a minority character, Holt McCallany nevertheless does an impressive job, especially for his first film role.

3. “It is a bad thing to borrow, it is a worse thing to beg.” — Ben Whitemoon

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Ben Whitemoon (Frank Salsedo) was basically the polar opposite of Sam Whitemoon. Old, wise and by no means egocentric, Ben’s pride prevents him from begging store owner Ray Spruce (George Kennedy) for special treatment. Although the wisdom of his statement is debatable (as some people inevitably must borrow and beg in life), one certainly understand where his views come from. There is indeed something to be said about dignity, and Ben Whitemoon has plenty of that. He is one of the most memorable characters of Creepshow 2, and this principle is worth remembering both inside and outside of this movie.

4. “No more eatin’ dust for a living. There ain’t no dust in Hollywood, man.” — Sam Whitemoon

As obnoxious and bad as Sam Whitemoon is, his vanity and desire for money and fame are at least understandable. He just goes about these things the wrong way. He also over-glorifies Hollywood while undervaluing his own background. You just know something bad’s going to happen to him, and that his dreams will be cut short (along with his hair, if you know what I mean).