Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

If there's one thing that director Christopher Landon's two "Happy Death Day" films have in spades, it's charm. Yes, the stories may be silly as can be, and I'm sure you could poke a million holes in the logic... but frankly, I don't care. Because the original film, and indeed this slick and ridiculously entertaining sequel, are just too darned enjoyable for me to mind their flaws.

Jessica Rothe is back as the long-suffering "Tree" Gelbman, and once again, she finds herself at the center of a brand new adventure. After learning that her original time-loop was caused by an on-campus quantum experiment by fellow student Ryan (Phi Vu), Tree is inadvertently sent hurtling through time and space, landing in another time loop... in another dimension. Now, Tree must work with this dimension's versions of Ryan and her boyfriend Carter (Israel Broussard) in order to try and find a way home. But things obviously aren't that easy. Not only is there a new killer on the loose in this dimension... but Tree also learns that her desperately missed deceased mother (Missy Yager) is still very much alive, putting her into a moral dilemma.

While the original "Happy Death Day" focused primarily on a horror-comedy approach by adding a dash of humor and a wonderful time-loop gimmick to a classic slasher-film formula, "Happy Death Day 2U" is much more of an overt sci-fi comedy. It plays down the slasher-horror element quite a bit and instead just has fun with the concept. It's quite a bit more slap-sticky and overtly humorous in its approach, and I think it works fabulously. It gave me fond memories of films like "Evil Dead II" and "Bride of Chucky" - movies that took their respective series into more satirical directions.

As before the cast is just wonderful. Jessica Rothe once again leads the film with an engaging and fearless performance. She's also give some surprisingly meaty dramatic scenes to sink her teeth into, and she does an amazing job. Suffice to say, these films have definitely made me a fan of hers. Vu, Broussard and other returns actors including Rachel Matthews and Ruby Modine are as excellent as ever. Especially Modine, who gets a chance to completely reinterpret her character thanks to the dimension-hopping angle of the story. Newcomers such as Suraj Sharma and Sarah Yarkin are just a blast and add a lot to the proceedings. And Yager is wonderful as Tree's mother in a small supporting role. We knew she was important from the first film, and it's a delight to actually meet the character.

Writer/Director Christopher Landon is also at the top of his game. The movie is extremely well put together, with a sharp sense of style. And it's clear Landon is having the time of his life behind the camera, with some wild comedic set-pieces and some really entertaining and experimental little scenes. A sequence in which Tree hilariously kills herself over and over stands out as one of the film's best. His script is also very tight and absolutely packed with humor and heart. He really does a fabulous job at handling the characters and their arcs, and I can't wait to see what he cooks up next.

And just like the first movie, the beating heart of the film is the emotional journey that Tree is forced to endure. And I think that's what sets these films apart. The strong character development, which is uncommon in many modern horror and genre films. Especially mainstream releases. The first film focused on Tree's journey into becoming a better person. This film expands on that, and has some great themes, including making peace with your past and learning to embrace your future. And it just... makes you feel good seeing such a great character learning these lessons.

If I had to point out any real flaws to the film, well... I definitely think this sequel will have a slightly more limited appeal than its predecessor. It's a bit more "extreme" in its approach, and I do think it might turn some audiences off. Especially if they were hoping for a more straight-forward sequel. I also think the mystery of the new killer was a little forced. I honestly would have been totally fine if there wasn't a killer in this movie, because it almost feels like an afterthought, and if anything, it kinda kills the pacing in the third act for a few minutes.

But those are just minor squabbles in an otherwise incredibly enjoyable film. Is it an award-worthy piece of art? No. Definitely not. But I don't think it was trying to be. It's trying to just be a fun movie. And I think it succeeds wonderfully.

I'm giving "Happy Death Day 2U" a very good 4 out of 5. For my money, it's just as enjoyable as the first film.

TedStixon