I enjoyed the first Scary Tales, even though it had some flaws (most noticeably the pacing of the movie and the acting).
However, I was very pleasantly surprised with Scary Tales: The Return of Mr. Longfellow. The sequel is strides above the first, and it also shows Hoffman's growth as both a writer and director.
One thing of notice is the movie gets very dark at times (in tone), but is reeled back in to keep it light. I'm hoping to one day see a movie where Hoffman lets it go and puts out a darker themed movie.
Sometimes you see movies put out from lower-budgeted directors and the continuing movies show no learning curve, but that is not the case here.
Can't wait for the next movie.