Freaky (2020)

User Review

• 

  d_riptide

  7 / 10

  As the next installment within the realms of the Happy Death Day universe, I was left somewhat mortified for awhile to admit that “Freaky” was even part of that same universe let alone from the same director Christopher Landon, especially if it was going to bomb. But I stand here today as a convert to the revelation that not only is this film kind of funny, not only is it remarkably kind of clever in its Freaky Friday premise and execution but despite its familiarity and rather....annoying gears of repetition, I’d say it’s not entirely devoid of merit.
  
  It’s very satirical in its use of slasher homage and horror references and its surface level with every character stereotype cranked up to 11 to the point of being caricatures; at times, it’s distracting but it works within the context of this cheesy movie that doesn't take itself too seriously.....and it glorifies the hell out of knowing that. Main and supporting cast work well with each other with Vince Vaughn being the most funny he’s been in years and Kathryn Newton making the most out of her....lackluster direction. Cinematography never became a nuisance while editing brought about one or two interesting shots and a few weird music choices to boot. Special effects with the gore and blood are very well done, for as absurd as the death scenes are and again, as long as you are willing to turn your brain off and accept it for what it is, one can find this spin-off about as entertaining as the straightforward simplistic fare of the first Happy Death Day.....which isn’t a bad thing.
  
  Unfortunately, the amount of fun I was able to have with this movie (which was a good 75% to 80%) was constantly stifled along the way by dialogue and symbolism that’s constantly on the nose. Not to mention the cliches it packs kinda annoyed me upon closer inspection and while I was sort of moved by a theme surrounding loss and the risk that came with putting one's life on pause to be there for others, the lack of subtlety that it inherited rendered them barren. Luckily, I was mostly able to get past that....somehow.

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