Still Wishes for your Death, written and directed by Christopher Landon and based on the characters created by Scott Lobdell, is the sequel to the comedy / horror film Wishes for your Death, also directed by the same director. The film is presented as a continuation act to give an explanation and, where possible, a conclusion to some open questions in the first film.
Down the mask
The story of this sequel picks up exactly where we left off in the first chapter, but with the starting point of view of Ryan Phan (played by the actor Phi Vu) who finds himself living the loop he imprisoned Tree (interpreted by Jessica Rothe) in the first film. The film, however, immediately changes direction, putting it back in the spotlight Tree herself and bringing the entire loop into a parallel dimension where the target of the killer, instead of the protagonist, will be her ex-friend Lori Spengler (or Ruby Modine).
To resolve the situation this time the protagonist will have to die until she can find a way to fix it Sissy, the machine responsible for the loop from the start created by Ryan and his two scientist friends. And as if that weren't enough, some significant differences in this new dimension will cast doubt Tree regarding his return to the timeline of origin.
It's your birthday
As mentioned earlier, this second chapter worthy of an answer some of the questions left open after the first, among all the fundamental reason behind the time loop at the base of the story is finally present. In addition, this second film gives a sense to one of the characters of the previous chapter (Ryan) which until now has remained a background element to the whole plot, while here it is primarily involved in the whole story.
Another big point in favor of the title is precisely the story itself which, while using the same identical mood of the first chapter, is proposed as something completely new, managing to take liberties on the script and on the narrative component which, even if reproposed to the same manner of the first film, they are not repetitive and on the contrary they are also original in several points, not giving the idea of already seen as one would expect from a work of this kind.
However define this film a horror it's a big compliment considering that most of the things that are supposed to scare are instead presented as huge clichés that the viewer already expects precisely where they are inserted. In addition the various "Horror scenes" they result in paradoxical situations where the killer ends up being the victim of one Tree more determined than ever to put an end to the history of the time loop.
If everything on the one hand may sound funny doing a bit of the verse to immortal sagas of horror comedy such as Scream. On the other hand, these continuous clichés definitely dampen the desire that the viewer has to see the horror of the film, preferring by far the various funny moments that the film offers.
Excluding this spot, however, the film flows well and is quite enjoyable for all of its 100 minutes of duration. In addition there are several moments that really manage to emotionally involve the viewer, above all thanks to the interpretation of the actors who, if in the first chapter it was questionable enough with moments of acting really barely passable, this time they unleash expressive and acting skills. well formed.
Speaking then of the soundtrack of the feature film, the latter is very appropriate and apt in different scenes, in fact the insiders have managed to do a very convincing job managing to emphasize the different moments of the film and the emotions they should arouse.
Blow out the candles
Last but not least we can say that the work actually looks like a very light horror, almost parodying the genre, and therefore enjoyable like one of the chapters of the aforementioned series Scream. Certainly we note the greater commitment and maturity with which this film has been carried forward, also giving it more serious tones and various implications even much more sensible than the first chapter (this time the killer has an at least acceptable motive) .
In addition, the choice to include a short is very welcome flashback summary of what happened in the first film at the beginning of the film, so as not to start too disadvantaged those who have not yet had the opportunity to recover the aforementioned film.
To conclude, the work is decidedly more mature than the previous one and is easily appreciated by those who want to see a horror film, but it is too suggestible to do so. For those who have returned from heavier films, this work could be a way to relax your nerves and have a laugh without giving up the pleasure of good and healthy. jump scare of circumstance.
