By Cynthia Bujnicki

“Tree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.” —IMDB

Okay, I loved the first movie. There was just something about it that makes it one of those movies for me that the more I think about them, the more I like them. So naturally, when I heard there was going to be a sequel while I was excited I was also hesitant, I mean really, can this plot be stretched into a two-film saga. So while I knew I was going to see this movie, I set myself up to be disappointed.

Thankfully I didn’t need to.

Happy Death Day 2U is such a promising sequel; it uses elements of the previous film even if it loses the sinister fiendish aspect of it…for the most part. It’s funnier, sillier, and sweeter than the last movie, ultimately making it more entertaining than the previous film. The prior flick certainly had the heart to it as Tree learned to grow up every day, but this film certainly upped that by challenging Tree once again. There’s a stronger science fiction element in play with this film than there is horror, but that added sci-fi element helped to make the plot work out even better. It also allowed Tree to see the world a little differently. She grows again and faces even hard choices, choices between two people she loves.

Jessica Rothe is amazing. I’m officially a big fan of hers. Yes, she was great in the previous film but her acting in this film, the emotional, scary, and funny scenes shine through her. She makes the audience laugh and cry, she makes the audience root for her and feel for her, Rothe is a gem, and honestly, it’s her acting and her connection with her fellow cast members that pulls the audience in.

As far as the film goes, the writing is solid, and the jokes are just downright perfect. Happy Death Day 2U is a movie that is going to make you laugh, and it might even make you cry. It is a solidly written sequel that made the plot work a second time around. It moves a little slower but focuses more on Tree and her dynamics with other people. Like I said before, there are so many different obstacles she must face that. It’s more emotional and even more romantic than the previous film, without losing the suspense and thrill that made the previous movie so good.

Honestly, I love this film; it was perfect as a sequel. It’s a film I would watch over, and over, and over again. (★★★☆ | A)

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—Film Credits—

Directed by Christopher Landon

Written by Christopher Landon

Based on Characters by Scott Lobdell

Starring: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Rachel Matthews, Phi Vu, Suraj Sharma, Sarah Yarkin & Ruby Modine

Rating | Length | Genre: PG-13 | 1h 40min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Distributed by Universal Pictures