House II: The Second Story
Jesse moves to his biological parents' house with his girlfriend Kate and soon he hosts his friend Charlie with his girlfriend. Jesse reads old documents and decides to go to the local cemetery with Charlie to unbury his grand grand grandfather to seek out an ancient powerful Aztec skull. They reanimate Gramps that soon befriends Jesse and Charlie. But demons cross gateways in the house to retrieve the magic skull and Jesse and Charlie need to go to other dimensions to retrieve the skull and keep Gramps alive.
Despite its tight budget of $3.0M, House II: The Second Story became a financial success, earning $10.0M worldwide—a 233% return. The film's innovative storytelling connected with viewers, showing that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
House II: The Second Story (1987) demonstrates deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Ethan Wiley's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 28 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jesse and his girlfriend Kate arrive at the old family mansion he has inherited, establishing his ordinary world as a young man uncertain about his family legacy.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Jesse discovers his great-great-grandfather's grave in the backyard and learns about the crystal skull that was supposedly buried with him, disrupting his plans for a normal life.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Jesse and Charlie dig up the grave and discover Gramps (the great-great-grandfather) is still alive - a mummified cowboy. Jesse actively chooses to bring him into the house and embrace the supernatural., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The crystal skull is stolen by rival treasure hunters, raising the stakes. Jesse realizes the skull is vital and that powerful enemies are now aware of its location - false defeat., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 66 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Gramps is captured/endangered and the house itself is under siege. Jesse faces the loss of his ancestor-mentor and the potential destruction of his family legacy - whiff of death as Gramps may die permanently., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Jesse synthesizes Gramps' teachings with his own modern resourcefulness, gathering allies and formulating a plan to recover the skull and save his ancestor. He accepts his role as protector of the family legacy., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
House II: The Second Story's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping House II: The Second Story against these established plot points, we can identify how Ethan Wiley utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish House II: The Second Story within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jesse and his girlfriend Kate arrive at the old family mansion he has inherited, establishing his ordinary world as a young man uncertain about his family legacy.
Theme
Charlie mentions that "the past has a way of catching up with you" - foreshadowing the film's exploration of family legacy and accepting one's heritage.
Worldbuilding
Jesse and Charlie explore the mansion, establish their friendship, and discover old family records that hint at the house's mysterious past and the legend of the crystal skull.
Disruption
Jesse discovers his great-great-grandfather's grave in the backyard and learns about the crystal skull that was supposedly buried with him, disrupting his plans for a normal life.
Resistance
Jesse debates whether to dig up the grave. Charlie encourages the adventure while Kate objects. Jesse researches his ancestor and struggles with the decision to disturb the dead.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Jesse and Charlie dig up the grave and discover Gramps (the great-great-grandfather) is still alive - a mummified cowboy. Jesse actively chooses to bring him into the house and embrace the supernatural.
Mirror World
Gramps becomes Jesse's mentor figure, teaching him about family honor, the importance of the crystal skull, and what it means to be part of their lineage - the thematic heart of the story.
Premise
The fun supernatural adventures begin: dealing with Gramps, discovering portals to other dimensions in the house, encountering prehistoric creatures, and learning about the skull's power.
Midpoint
The crystal skull is stolen by rival treasure hunters, raising the stakes. Jesse realizes the skull is vital and that powerful enemies are now aware of its location - false defeat.
Opposition
The villains close in, supernatural threats escalate, Kate becomes endangered, and Jesse struggles to protect both the skull and his loved ones. His inexperience becomes a liability.
Collapse
Gramps is captured/endangered and the house itself is under siege. Jesse faces the loss of his ancestor-mentor and the potential destruction of his family legacy - whiff of death as Gramps may die permanently.
Crisis
Jesse mourns the potential loss of Gramps and contemplates giving up. He realizes he must embrace his family heritage fully and take responsibility for protecting what matters.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jesse synthesizes Gramps' teachings with his own modern resourcefulness, gathering allies and formulating a plan to recover the skull and save his ancestor. He accepts his role as protector of the family legacy.
Synthesis
Jesse leads the final confrontation against the villains, using both the house's supernatural properties and his own courage. He rescues Gramps, recovers the skull, and defeats the antagonists.
Transformation
Jesse stands in the mansion with his family and friends, now confident in his identity and role as guardian of his family's legacy. The house is no longer a burden but a home filled with wonder.