Movie Review – Happy Death Day 2U

It’s the week of Valentines Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a non-traditional horror film sequel. In 2017, Happy Death Day combined the formula for the standardized slasher flick with the ‘single day loop’ repetition effect most notably famous by the film Groundhog Day (1993). The character experiencing the loop learns more about themselves during the process, often experiencing a personal awakening, followed by planned steps to become a better person. Of course, to maintain entry within the confines of the horror film genre the entertainment results from the variety of ways Tree (Jessica Rothe) decides to off herself and/or she is offed by the killer.

Two years later for the audience, but literally moments following the first film for the characters, Happy Death Day 2U wastes no time continuing its mysteriously complicated tale, but this time while answering previous questions, asking new questions, and inviting a wider supporting cast to experience it along the way.

As many critics would agree, this film is difficult to critique without dropping spoilers. Let’s just say that the time loop occurrence is explained, explored, then expanded upon. Everyone from the first film returns. Yeah, that’s right, EVERYONE. How can a film dealing with the complexities and complications of time loops be convincing without an open cast list? As Tree’s love interest Carter (Isreal Broussard) compares the experience in the first film to Groundhog Day (1993), Happy Death Day 2U is compared to a particular film as well. But, again, to name this film would spoil it.

It is safe to say that the bar is raised for this sequel. There is no shortage of hilarity, there are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, and the supporting cast actually share equal screen time with the main character(s), Tree is faced with even tougher challenges and heart-wrenching decisions, and much like the first film, there’s plenty of room for another sequel.

Writer/Director Christopher Landon succeeds in maintaining plenty of the appealing qualities from the first film into his sequel, while adding new detail and creatively unique approaches to situations to allow the sequel its time to emote its own freshness.

if you lack the time to view the original beforehand, Happy Death Day 2U allows a 20-second recap, as Tree catches up a few newer characters. But, by forgoing the original, you may miss the chemistry the main characters have for one another as well as the overall appeal of this budding franchise. Yes, it’s easy to predict that the creators would like to take this franchise for a ride, but it all depends on box office numbers and audience reception.

Happy Death Day 2U stars Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Phi Vu, Suraj Sharma, Sarah Yarkin, Ruby Modine, and Rachel Matthews, as well as pretty much everyone else from the first film. It is a worthy sequel – go see it not just to spite Valentine’s Day, but also because it’s just really entertaining.