My quick rating - 4.5/10. The murderous escapades of Winnie the Pooh continue in this sequel, which surprisingly manages to outdo its predecessor in both storytelling and production quality. Picking up five months after the events of the first film, Christopher Robin (Scott Chambers) struggles with PTSD while Pooh and his increasingly unhinged crew—Piglet, Owl, and a newly introduced Tigger—face a new existential threat after their grisly existence is exposed to the world. One of the most significant improvements here is the story. While the first film leaned heavily on its gimmicky premise, this installment makes a stronger effort to flesh out its narrative. Christopher Robin’s psychological turmoil provides a compelling throughline, and the dynamics within Pooh’s gang add some intriguing tension to their rampage. The gore is another step up, with several kill scenes delivering the brutal, over-the-top violence fans of this bizarre horror take were likely hoping for. The practical effects, though still rough around the edges, are far more polished this time around, making for some genuinely stomach-churning moments. There’s also a self-aware streak running through the film, evidenced by the use of footage from the original on a TV during a key scene. Whether this meta moment lands as amusing or irritating depends on your tolerance for such winks at the audience, but it at least signals a willingness to poke fun at itself. That said, it still struggles to fully shake its B-movie roots although I am not sure director Rhys Water even wants to. The pacing can feel uneven, some of the acting is shaky, and the tone wavers awkwardly between campy horror and earnest attempts at emotional depth. Tigger’s inclusion, while fun, feels underutilized, and Owl’s character remains mostly in the background. Ultimately, this sequel is a marked improvement over its predecessor, but it still falls short of becoming a truly memorable horror film. It’s a better production across the board, with more focus and effort put into the story, but it’s still primarily for those who enjoy the absurdity of a blood-soaked Pooh rampage.
No comments:
Post a Comment