Review by RCR entertainment reporter, Eric Szymanski, follow him on Twitter at @ecmanski
It’s not often a horror sequel takes a concept that made the original so unique and expands on it without feeling like a complete rehash. Happy Death Day 2U does just that. Dare I say I had even more fun watching this than it’s 2017 predecessor? Picking up exactly one day after the events of the first film, this one goes deeper into explaining how and why Tree Gelbman keeps dying and waking up on the same day immediately following each of her deaths. It’s tough to really dive deep into the plot without giving away any spoilers. I can tell you if Happy Death Day was a cross between Groundhog Day and Scream, this one adds elements of the 80’s classic Back to the Future II. I was even getting a Real Genius vibe with its group of science nerds conducting their generator busting experiments on campus. In fact, this film felt way more like an 80’s sci-fi comedy than it did a 2019 horror. And that’s not a bad thing at all. Don’t get me wrong, you do see the baby mask wearing, knife-wielding, hoodie-wearing menace up to his old tricks. But unlike, say the ghost face killer in Scream, you never feel like he’s a looming danger throughout the hour and 40-minute runtime.
The real star of this movie is by far the lead Jessica Rothe. Her comedic timing is on point throughout. The anger of realizing what day it is as she storms across campus after rolling out of bed is pure gold. One might think how many times can the same character die in a movie and still come across interesting and fresh with each demise? It’s been said that comedy is harder than dying. Here, Rothe masters both. I’m not taking anything away from the strength of her supporting cast either. Particularly co-star Rachelle Matthews portrayal of Danielle, Bayfield campus’s snobby sorority princess. There’s one particular scene she steals that had me thinking about Eddie Murphy’s Stevie Wonder impression on SNL back in the day. You’ll know which one when you see it.
Happy Death Day 2U is rated PG-13 and it shows by not pushing the limits. Don’t expect a lot of gruesome kills, jump scares or college kids making the mistake of having sex with a killer on the loose. We all know how that goes. What you can expect from this is a very funny, well-paced film with likable characters working together to figure out how to make things right in their universe. Choices are made and paths are chosen. That’s one of the things I really liked about the movie. It easily could have gone with the “paint by numbers here we go again with the same killer” follow up. But no, director Christopher Landen took us on a different ride that was equally as fun. And those of you wondering if a third movie is a possibility, I advise you to stay for a mid-credit scene that will have you smiling on your way out of the theater.
If you enjoyed the first movie, which is required viewing before going into this, you’re gonna love Happy Death Day 2U. If you’re expecting a straight-up slasher flick, this tale of a looping death day will not leave you…. shall we say…. happy. Unlike Life Day, an obscure Star Wars holiday mentioned only once in 1978 special we don’t speak of, I had a blast with this Death Day and am looking forward to seeing what’s next in this series.
Grade: B+
Missed the first one? Watch it here
About Happy Death Day 2U
Jessica Rothe leads the returning cast of HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U, the follow-up to Blumhouse’s (Split, Get Out, The Purge series) surprise 2017 smash hit of riveting, repeating twists and comic turns. This time, our hero Tree Gelbman (Rothe) discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.
Jason Blum once again produces and Christopher Landon returns to write and direct this next chapter, while Happy Death Day executive producers Angela Mancuso and John Baldecchi are newly joined by EP Samson Mucke (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse).
Facebook: unvrs.al/HDD2FB
Twitter: unvrs.al/HDD2TW
Instagram: unvrs.al/HDD2IG
Site: www.HappyDeathDay.com
