Review: ‘Happy Death Day 2U’ is a great gift for the fun-loving moviegoer (Includes first-hand account)

The Groundhog Day theme has been repurposed more than once since it was released in 1993 with varying results. Its comedic properties are obvious, but that hasn’t stopped creators from using it in other genres like sci-fi and horror that, in some cases, have more dire consequences. One of the most surprising applications came in the unexpected slasher comedy, Happy Death Day, which employed the single-day-effect to create a fresh, entertaining narrative. But no one ever figured out what generated the loop… until now. In the immediate sequel, Happy Death Day 2U, it starts happening again — only this time we know why.

The renewed Tree (Jessica Rothe) and Carter (Israel Broussard) are blissfully enjoying a new day together after finally uncovering the identity of her killer. His roommate, Ryan (Phi Vu), however, is experiencing a serious case of déjà vu at the hands of a baby face-masked executioner. After some investigation, it turns out Ryan and his classmates’ science experiment is causing more than rolling blackouts across campus. When they try to undo the damage, Tree is regrettably thrown back into her loop… but things are different. And each time she comes back from death, she’s a little bit weaker than before. Now Tree has to repeatedly convince these strangers to help her or risk being stuck in this alternate reality forever.

In spite of making this movie a little more scientific than its predecessor, it still doesn’t take itself too seriously. When it’s decided Tree actually has to take her own life each day, she gets creative. When trying to stop the murder of her friends, she takes irrational risks. In between, she’s trying to accept the changed aspects of this world and make one of the most difficult decisions of her life. No one could possibly envy Tree’s position and she’s definitely not happy about being stuck in yet another loop, but she does make the most of it.

This sequel isn’t so much better than the original, but on par with it — which is somewhat expected since director Christopher Landon returned alongside the original cast. Of course, it’s a little repetitive since there’s only so many ways to evade a murderer. However, the new hurdles thrown in Tree’s path alter the gist of her mission this time around. The return of some of the old characters with new attitudes also change things up a bit, particularly her sorority sisters. This is one of those sequels that is exponentially more enjoyable if you’ve seen the first movie since so much of the narrative is based on previously established elements that may not seem significant otherwise, such as Tree’s roommate’s pulse.

When looking for a popcorn movie, it doesn’t matter if it’s predictable — but it has to be fun and this movie definitely checks that box.

OVER IT. #HDD2U pic.twitter.com/aZd1VMTHXV

— Happy Death Day 2U (@UniversalHorror) January 24, 2019

Director: Christopher Landon
Starring: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard and Phi Vu

Similar Posts

  • Edgar Wright’s ‘Baby Driver’ is on the road to success (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s common for there to be a few years between writer/director Edgar Wright‘s projects, but it’s always worth the wait. It’s been four years since his sci-fi comedy The World’s End came out, so schedule dictates he was due for another big screen appearance. Wright’s latest picture, Baby Driver, had its premiere at SXSW last night. But for all those who couldn’t be there, they’ve released the official and international trailers to build anticipation for the summer 2017 release.

  • Review: ‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’ finds fun in hairy situations (Includes first-hand account)

    Change can be difficult for everyone, non-humans included. It can disrupt whatever you’ve come to perceive as normal, alter long-standing routines, and add or remove others from your life. Whether it’s for better or worse, change is inevitable so sometimes you just have to make the best of it even when it doesn’t feel like an improvement… but hopefully, with a little time, that sentiment can change too. In The Secret Life of Pets 2, Max is now glad to have his big pal Duke, but is he ready for a new baby to enter the mix?

  • Review: ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ is bloody clever (Includes first-hand account)

    The mockumentary is a wonderful way to shine a spotlight on important events or issues, but it also has the potential to be incredibly entertaining when applied to less serious or even unrealistic subjects. Giving an authentic quality to an absurd storyline can be very satisfying. In the case of What We Do in the Shadows, the film crew is chronicling the lives of a group of older vampires who share a flat in New Zealand.

  • Review: Offbeat comedy ‘Rock the Kasbah’ gets a little off-key (Includes first-hand account)

    Existing is generally also a matter of adapting. Trying to subsist without adjusting to the uncontrollable evolution of life and circumstance is nearly impossible. Change comes in many forms and tones, not all of which will come easy or be agreeable; but that won’t stop it from happening. War is a major cause of transformation as it affects all manner of living and has the power to touch everything in its path. Though even through the ravages of violence can emerge new hope. Rock the Kasbah attempts to pave the way for positive reform in its unique way.