Co-written (with Scott Lobdell) and directed by Christopher Landon and starring Jessica Rothe, in Happy Death Day 2U our heroine, Flower “Tree” Gelbmans, discovers that being murdered over and over and over again was surprisingly easy compared to what is going on now. You have no idea how mad I am at myself for not reviewing the first one! Happy Death Day (2017) was released right in the midst of an Oscar season that started pretty early, and was very time consuming (Because 2017 was a much better year filled with better movies than 2018. I’ve found 2018 to be sort of lackluster, personally.), so it didn’t get the attention it deserved. It wasn’t a masterpiece or anything, but it was certainly a notable film which turned out to be much better than I anticipated going in and it was certainly worthy of a watch and a write up with a recommendation to see it. It is well acted, well written, and fresh-feeling for a concept that has been attempted many times (the time loop).
The writing is still pretty strong. It takes a while for Happy Death Day 2U to get going (You may feel differently if you’re just jumping in here.) but once it does it’s another fun ride. The concept of the day you were born becoming the day on which you are murdered and have to relive over and over again is intriguing. The addition of an element of science fiction /time travel/dimensions makes Happy Death Day 2U as fun and as satisfying as the first installment. There is just enough humor so it doesn’t become goofy. It isn’t too gory (thinking back on it, there’s really not much gore at all. There’s hardly any!). The film doesn’t rely on scare jumps. The plot is super interesting as Tree faces this great, life altering decision about her past and her future. This movie brings up philosophical questions about life and change and choices – the what ifs and what would you dos, and if you could – would yous?… Imagine the possibility of getting a “do over” in life. I am growing to enjoy the concept of these films more and more. (Now I have to go back and watch the first one again! Because of this blog I’m always watching something new and needing to move on. I rarely get a chance to see anything for a second time unless it is so brilliant that I must.) I also like the multiculturalism of it all because it is a college campus, that’s what most American college campuses look like, so why not? It’s realistic and doesn’t feel forced.
Jessica Rothe is so stinkin’ cute (with her Blake Lively-looking self. (My review of A Simple Favor is in the link because, why not!?) She reminds me of another actress as well but I cannot put my finger on exactly who. It will come to me eventually…), that I find her face to be hilarious when she gets pissed off. I love it! She does some really good acting here (just as in the first installment) and I think she is a large part of what really puts the Happy Death Day “franchise” (Is it too soon to call it that just yet?) a notch above other run-of-the-mill slasher movies. Rachel Matthews does a notable job as well. The intensity of Steve Zessis is hilarious. The remainder of the supporting cast were the weak(er) link in the formula and made Happy Death Day 2U feel like a school play, at times.
And can we please talk about those big, scary babies? Haaaaaaahaaaaa! Those crazy looking babies are scary, creepy as heck and comical in the best possible way, all at the same time. I mean…Just. Wow!
Happy Death Day 2U earned 7.5 out of 10 bloops. It’s a good movie, worth seeing in a theater for the ambiance. After getting a foot in the door and earning some recognition with the first rated PG-13 installment, amping up the gore a bit would have given this installment more impact. It makes a great popcorn movie. Good job keeping up the quality from the first film through the first sequel. If it does well at the box office over this weekend, I’m sure there will be a third.
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Bloops:
1 = worst ever, avoid at all cost
2 = very bad, forget about it!
3 = poor movie, not recommended
4 = not good, even for free – NO!
5 = so-so, worth it if you don’t have to pay
6 = not bad, could have been better
7 = good movie, worth seeing
8 = great movie, don’t miss it!
9 = excellent movie, a must see!
10 = a masterpiece, go see it now!
Other Reviews (Please excuse the look of this section. It is a work in progress.)
If Beale Street Could Talk
What Men Want
Eighth Grade Vice Roma
Mary Queen of Scots Widows The Favourite
Green Book Halloween Nobody’s Fool
Bohemian Rhapsody Beautiful Boy The Hate U Give
First Man Assassination Nation The Oath
A Star is Born The House with a Clock in Its Walls A Simple Favor
The Predator BlackkKlansman Support the Girls
Peppermint Christopher Robin Crazy Rich Asians
The Happytime Murders RBG Won’t You Be My Neighbor
Sorry to Bother You
You Were Never Really Here
Rampage A Quiet Place Ready Player One
A Wrinkle in Time Lady Bird I, Tonya
The Florida Project Black Panther Molly’s Game
The Post Phantom Thread Den of Thieves
All the Money in the World Coco The Greatest Showman
The Disaster Artist Call Me By Your Name
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The Shape of Water Marshall The Man Who Invented Christmas
Victoria and Abdul Thor: Ragnarok Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Mother! It Good Time
Atomic Blonde Dunkirk Girls Trip
Spider-Man: Homecoming The Big Sick Baby Driver
All Eyez on Me It Comes at Night The Wedding Plan
Wonder Woman Everything, everything King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Raw Kong: Skull Island Logan
The Girl with All the Gifts A Cure for Wellness Get Out
Hidden Figures Fences Moonlight
Hell or High Water Loving La La Land
Lion Manchester by the Sea Arrival
Hacksaw Ridge Nocturnal Animals Captain Fantastic
Elle Jackie I Am Not Your Negro
The Lobster
