Happy Death Day 2U [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2019]

If you liked the first movie you will like this one. This was different enough to where you didn't feel like you were watching the same movie again. Fun times

The second in a morbid humor/horror series (both combining elements of slasher films and Groundhog Day) returns us to the misadventures of university student, Theresa "Tree" Gelbman, seemingly free of her hamster wheel of repeated murders and resurrections, until her own murder was solved, and a normal life resumed. Alas, no such thing; not only is the same nightmare happening again (to others, now), but discovering a scientific explanation for the event drops her and others into an alternate world where a different killer wears the mask, the romantic couplings from the last film are altered, and Tree's deceased Mom never died. Which leads to a moral dilemma for Tree, who, normally, is unlikeable and ethically-challenged: Does she risk getting stuck in this world, just to get her broken family back? Does she help those stuck with her in this world get home? Better decide fast: the science project that got them here is about to get shut down by the dean. And that's what I like about the film (and the one before it); rather than a meaningless hack-and-slash event, it manages to be an exercise in character growth--and without sacrificing the normal action and fight to survive expected in a slasher film. Also, rather than being the usual clueless slasher film victim, Jessica Rothe's Tree is more like Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy, taking the bull by the horns, while still being funny; in fact, her eternal frustration has her acting in such weird ways that the other leads wonder if she's losing her mind. I love this film series, which, hopefully, becomes a trilogy, if the mid-credits scene is any clue.

When the studio logo for Universal Pictures Happy Death Day 2U split into three separate screens before the film starts, I knew that I was in for a treat. The sequel to Blumhouse Productions 2017’s surprise hit Happy Death Day once again find our heroine Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) reliving the same day until she solves a problem. When the film opens up, we meet Ryan (Phi Vu) who spent the night in his car to give his roommate Carter (Israel Broussard) some alone time with Tree. Ryan decides to go to the school’s science lab to meet with his friends Samar (Suraj Sharma) and Dre (Sarah Yakin). The trio is on the verge of a breakthrough with a reactor they’ve built; however, the school’s dean wants to shut them down. Ryan ends up becoming a victim of the Babyface killer, only to find himself in the same day once again. Puzzled and afraid Ryan goes back to his room, with Tree realizing that Ryan is now in a time loop. In one of my favorite moments from the sequel, Tree explains the events to Ryan from the first film and decides to help him. Tree soon realizes that Ryan is the one who caused the first time loop. After a series of events (which I won’t reveal in my review, as I don’t want to spoil it), Tree finds herself back in the time loop from the first film, only this time things are different, and she must find a way to return home. Time travel movies usually fall into two categories downright confusing or good old fashioned fun, and thankfully Happy Death Day 2U falls into the latter category. Returning director Christopher Landon takes over his scripting duties from the first film’s writer Scott Lobdell and takes the franchise in a fresh direction. Instead of easily repeating the first film’s initial premise, Landon’s script sets up a narrative which can continue into a crowd-pleasing franchise. Star in the making Jessica Rothe is once again a joy to watch as Tree and hopefully the sequel pushes her career towards bigger budget fare. With her beautiful smile and all around likable personality, Rothe shines whether she’s delivering a one-liner or fighting off a killer. The rest of the returning cast is also quite good with the highlight being Rachel Matthews as Danielle. Outside of Jessica Rothe, Rachel Matthews was my favorite performance in the first film, so I was happy that she has a more prominent role in the sequel. The new characters of Samar (Suraj Sharma) and Dre (Sarah Yakin) are also good additions to the cast. While they don’t have much to do, they blend well the rest of the cast. Happy Death Day 2U may upset some horror fans who are looking for a traditional slasher film, but the direction the franchise is going in works in its favor. Too often horror sequels repeat the formula of the first film, instead of changing up the formula. Happy Death Day 2U is a funny and smart sequel that I highly recommend. Just be sure to stay through the credits for a stinger and please avoid spoilers.

I really enjoyed the first Happy Death Day and 2u was no different. The only negatives I would levy against the film was the convuluted plot, less kills and not as straightforward to follow. Otherwise, if you do follow closely you'll understand the plot and why it's happening this way. It ties back in with the why of the original film that was kind of a missed shot though it does work for creating the sequel. Overall the same actors all come back to reprise their roles as well as a few additions to the cast that worked well and fit the chemistry of the film. So, I took one star off the sequel for being good and fun, just not great like the original. One last thing. If you are going to see this, be sure to view the first film prior to seeing the sequel as it will ruin the ending of that memorable title.

I love the Happy Death Day films. They are so much. The first was like Groundhog Day, this one was a combo of Groundhog Day mixed with Back to The Future. In this film, Tree finds out the reason she keeps repeating her day in the first film is because of a Science Experiment Ryan and his friends have been conducting in another location on campus. But things have changed this time. When the Dean of the school tries to pull the plug on the experiment an explosion sends Tree to an alternate reality. Now Tree has figure a way back to her reality and unmask the new killer who is stalking her. if you loved the first film, you will absolutely love the second. Pure fun. The film never tries to be serious or it would kill the film. The writer and director knows you need to have fun and fun they have. Highly recommended and great film.

Despite the poor choice of titles, the Happy Death Day movies are really enjoyable. The sequel does THE BEST JOB I'VE EVER SEEN of making it feel as if it was filmed at the same time as the first film. The cast, the settings, etc. all look just like they did in the previous movie, so KUDOS to the filmmakers. I'm not sure why this one didn't do as well at the box office as the first, but I think it's a shame. As a result, we probably won't see a third entry, and that's a huge bummer, in my opinion.

I loved Happy Death Day - the first movie. Yes it's a hokey movie but it's a fun little "horror" movie with an actual character growth arch! Imagine that! So when number 2 came out I was thrilled. It didn't disappoint. Although it's less horror and more sci-fi comedy. I was wary thinking the story would be like Groundhog Day revisited, but it wasn't. The plot was entirely different and just as humorous and enjoyable. Must have movie for anyone who loves 'good-bad' movies in the horror-comedy genre.

I get why this sequel failed compared to the first film. Going from horror (PG-13) to full-fledged sci-fi would be fine if the trailers had said that the horror elements were gone instead of doubling down on it. Since I'm much more of a sci-fi fan, I'm fine with it. It's nice that we see more of Ruby Modine's Lori Spengler character more, since I feel that subplot was underdeveloped in the first. Maybe good home video sales may give us a third film.