Tag: Yvonne Orji

VACATION FRIENDS 2 (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Clay Tarver
Based on characters created by: Clay Tarver, Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen, Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Cinematography: Tim Suhrstedt
Editor: Tim Roche 

Cast: Lil’ Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, John Cena, Meredith Hagner, Steve Buscemi, Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector 

A couple who meets up with another couple while on vacation in Mexico sees their friendship take an awkward turn when they get back home.

Let me start off by saying that I surprisingly enjoyed the first film. It was better than I thought it would be. So it’s with a heavy heart that I say. I really didn’t like this one.

As it is a sequel that didn’t need to be made for any reason. The story just feels put together without any real meaning or reason. As it tries to repeat the first film.

Only in the first film, John Cena and Meredith Hagner’s characters were annoying and over the top, but eventually, it was explained why they were. It also showed that underneath they were sweethearts who really cared about their friends.

In this film, they are still annoying and it seems just to be annoying or the script requires them to be without showing any real growth at all. (Especially Hagner) They also seem a bit more cruel at times in their Jokes, particularly in the airport scenes. So that they feel unlikeable because they are truly given so little to do.

Their subplot with Steve Buscemi’s character seems so non-engaging. Even though Buscemi tries, the script lets him down at most turns.

Lil’ Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji also have nothing better to do than tag along for the ride. As they are used to them lil’ Rel seems to be the character who gets into the most trouble trying to juggle rest & relaxation with friends and an important business deal. As well as being the constant naysayer when it comes to any kind of wayward activity. Ending up doing it and being the most punished. 

The hijinks this time also feel a little more take and uninventive than the first films. This film isn’t as shocking or as heartfelt. 

It’s surprising that this failed so badly. as the film is directed by the original director who showed promise with the first film. though then again even though he helped co-write the original. Here he is on his own and it shows as the magic seems to be missing.

  It just seems like everyone here is contractually obligated and had so much fun in the first film. Let’s do it again and do it in a tropical paradise. It feels like THE HANGOVER PART 2 all over again only on a smaller streaming scale and trying not to repress the same jokes 

Grade: D 

SPONTANEOUS (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Brian Duffield
Based on the novel by: Aaron Starmer
Cinematography: Aaron Morton
Editor: Steve Edwards

Cast: Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, Yvonne Orji, Hayley Law, Piper Perabo, Rob Huebel, Chris Shields, Marlowe Percival, Laine MacNeil 

Get ready for the outrageous coming-of-age love story about growing up…and blowing up. When students in their school begin exploding (literally), seniors Mara and Dylan struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last.

This film starts off seeming like a typical teen film with a darkly comedic cynical side. Though as the film goes along it gets deeper and gives the film actual depth.

The film takes the audience on a ride while dealing with a morbid subject. As we in the audience feel something and experience the sorrow. 

Especially in the third act where a character we have grown close to becomes a victim. Even as the film tries to humanize most of the victims somewhat. So that there is something felt as each one meets their fate.

This film is Like most teens, rebellious on the outside but sensitive and emotional the more you get to know them and the deeper they decide to open up. 

The film offers a little thriller element as to wonder who will be next but that ends up giving the movie energy and vitality that seems to give each scene a certain edge.

Writer/director Brian Duffield is becoming a favorite and expert in these genre teen films. This is his directorial debut but he previously wrote THE BABYSITTER. While this is more dramatic he is good at making genre films serving teenagers and making them exciting and yet believable as far as characters and having nightmare scenarios turn out into great on-screen fantasies.

The film gives off a romantic message but also one that is about to live life to the fullest while you can and embrace the experience for it might be one of your last. 

While doing that is another aspect it shows that time can be precious and how those close to you might feel neglected while caring for you. You choose to focus on your current crush or love and make others feel left out. 

The film also seems to want to show the unknown when growing up and graduating from a firm teenager to adulthood more responsibilities where your actions have much more important and can inhabit your future.

It also shows the unpredictable nature of life and even first love. How you can be thrown into a loop when things change, especially through no fault of your own and like the title says spontaneously and rather suddenly.

This film offers a fun but more cynical and violent look at it. 

The film hits especially strong during these pandemic times. 

Grade: B+