Is this, and/or the first, actually good?

Terrifer 1 is low budget yes. It's very little in scope. Small cast, only a few locations, not a lot of story. It gets praised because it's quite brutal and has a dark and grim atmosphere. If you like gorey films and films that are quite brutal and mean then it's definitely worth checking out. If you want an interesting story, amazing acting etc, etc then it won't be worth your time. It's not a 'so bad it's good film', not a film you laugh at or find entertaining because it's so bad. It's actually pretty good, just a bit too basic. They basically made the film to showcase the villain and it seems their sole goal was to make a brutal and scary little film.

Terrifier 2 is low budget still but a big improvement in production values. It's a zany carnival of the macabre. Reminds me a little of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) in that regard. A touch more humorous and sentimental compared to the first. I personally love it. This is launching the franchise, so much more story in this one. They've went into this film with a long term plan in mind.

These are slasher films but trend towards 'torture porn'. Practical FX kill scenes that are very graphic. They're also a touch mean spirited. Definitely not for everyone.

As for watching the first film before the sequel. Yeah, I'd definitely say you should though truth be told I think someone could be dropped into the franchise with 2 and not get too lost or confused. So seeing it isn't completely essential.

I haven't seen this one, but the first was god awful imo. Although, my friend who hated the first one said the second is actually pretty good.

No , part 2 is not good! 2/10 low budget.

If you enjoy torture porn, then this is for you.

I thought it was better than the first movie. The practical gore effects and ‘final girl’ were pretty cool.

Part 1 is ok for what it is.

But Part 2 is like if you asked your wife for a second helping of Kraft Mac and Cheese and she brought you a plate of top tier fettuccine alfredo.

The jump in quality is unprecedented and meteoric for a sequel.

I don't like slasher films. I saw the first one almost by accident. I was bowled over. It was excellent. It's culturally iconic even if its exploitative trash. Historians will be analyzing it one thousand years from now.

Any sequel, I wouldn't waste my time.

If you're looking for gore and practical effects, this is up your alley. If you're looking for a non-stop killer who is creative, then this is up your alley. Art the clown is pretty cool in the way the actor is a mime playing an adaptive killer. It's silly, a little long, but the gore and creativity are pretty good. It is pretty aggressive, I won't lie. The second movie is overlong though. But, for the gore fans who like Art, it's definitely worth the time.

I didn't really care for the end. I hope that helps.