MAXXXINE (2024) Movie Review | Does it live up to the anticipation?
Vložit
- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Maxxxine has been everyone's most anticipated movie this year, so how does it hold up in the trilogy? What do you think of the continuation of Maxine Minx's story?
BUY MY MERCH | www.bonfire.com/store/possess...
FOLLOW MY HORROR INSTAGRAM | possessedby...
twitter | #!/sarahmhawkinson
instagram | / possessedbyhorroryt
email | sarahhawkinson@gmail.com
lifestyle | / sarahhawkinson
I want Ti West to make the Puritan II, it would be a clever way to expand the universe but not really.
That could be fun, I'd totally be down.
If the 4th movie is just Puritan II, I'd be down.
I very much enjoyed this trilogy but I do not want to see it expanded. With you on that. My critique of Maxxxine was that... "West didn't make a movie set in the 80s, he made an 80s movie." For all the good and bad that comes with that.
Saw it opening night. I was a fan of everything but the ending. Pearl is unquestionably my favorite of the trilogy.
I didn’t hate the ending or where the story went! I didn’t think we needed that added on scene tho 👀
@@PossessedbyHorror
***Spoiler***
I hated that it ended with what felt like a generic shootout. I wanted something more unique and menacing to tie it up. Also realistically Maxine would have been shot or arrested for taking the shot after being warned to drop the gun. Really dug everything about the film before that.
@@pesky716Barbie got arrested twice last summer. And Maxine is on a set with no handcuffs? WTF.
@@pesky716THAT'S what I thought was gonna happen! Especially after the "thin line between famous and infamous" line and her dad saying she looked like a star in the searchlight. I thought she was gonna be happy to die famous as a killer and the murders were gonna be pinned on her.
@@oliversedgwick7236I would’ve loved to have seen the ending being all a delusion she had and her saying “I’m a f’in movie star “
The 👠🥎🥎 scene made me gasp 😭
I was like OKAY WHAT
That scene was crazy
It made every man gasp and close their legs, including me 😅
It was so cool
The zoom in on the busted 🥎s tho
I feel like, of the trilogy, this one definitely had the least unique identity. Also, I didn’t realize this until the movie was over, but I think it’s exceedingly weird that we never actually saw Maxine filming any of her scenes for Puritan 2! Let us see her become a star!
Exactly! The whole movie is was waiting for her to some acting. How are we supposed to know that she’s a star? Cause she says so every chance she gets? I call some bulls***
That Ally scene was NUTS! Probably the most gruesome part of the movie for me.
HAHAHA
this comment 🙌🙌
No pun intended 🫣
💃🏽🦶🏼🥜
@@GG_ADHD 👠 🥚🥚💁🏼♀️
Why didn't Maxxxine end up like Pearl but on the reverse side when she IS famous but kills to STAY famous? That would have suited the opening text too, and called back to the 'first' of the trilogy. Instead it was just like, scenes put together, and weird pacing with no clear idea of what to expand on beyond Pearl and X. If they had gone with the aforementioned idea, it would have been a perfect mirror to where the story began.
Honestly I thought that was gonna be the case! I usually avoid trailers and especially wanted to go into this one blindly for a fresh experience, but was ultimately disappointed by the ending. I think the first half of the movie was cool, but I did feel like some areas were dragging and Maxine was sitting there as a backdrop. I agree that the story would’ve been better as a whole if they put more of Pearl’s attributes into Max, since she had more of an impact than her father did story wise, which is why I feel like it falls flat by the finale. I suppose her blowing off his head is a callback to running over Pearl’s in the original, but I wish they would’ve explored that murderous side a little more, it would’ve been a nice spin on the final girl trope especially of the 80s
That would have been perfect. I feel like that would have been perfectly set up. Such a misfire
It left me with more questions than answers
Me too. Primarily why??
@@PossessedbyHorrormaybe because they are planning on making another installment of the franchise? A tetralogy?
There is going to be a fourth film....
You hit the nail on the head here girl! The characters were not developed enough, and the whole thing just felt....lazy. One of the major things that irked me was seeing Halsey on all the promos, making you think she's another major character and she's in the film for maybe...5 minutes max. Not that I was seeing the movie for her, but it felt like they were trying to do a Drew Barrymore in Scream situation with her that just did not work. All in all I remember walking out of the theater thinking "I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed"
I mean sometimes that’s a good thing. But funnily that’s similar to A24’s other movie Hereditary, all the trailers & tv spots had Charlie in them & then the first 10 minutes she gets killed off which shocked my whole theater. It’s cool when they hide these spoilers but yeah it did feel a little abrupt in this movie.
@@packedentertainment2866yeah but Charlie did fit and she was a memorable character, also her death scene was shocking
8:40 , Great point. I also wanted Maxxxine to end up like Pearl. It would have been poetic.
I really wanted to love it but I was disappointed. I had rewatched X recently while showing it to some friends for their first time watching, and I realized that Maxine really isn’t that compelling of a “final girl” and I think those flaws were compounded in Maxxxine. She just wasn’t a compelling enough lead, ESPECIALLY coming off the heels of Mia Goth as Pearl. You hit the nail on the head by saying it seems like things just happen to her. The plot just sort of fell apart to me in the end. I expected some sort of rug pull or surprise and it was just “meh”.
Bobby Lynn deserved to be the final girl in that movie.
@@GenZealous Go watch 80s horror movies, many final girls didn't deserve to be final girls.
@@GenZealousagreed, Bobby Lynne was far more interesting and deserving of final girl status
@@GenZealousfor SURE
But also, the biggest issue is that the inclusion of the whole Night Stalker plotline feel pointless by the 3rd act.
Honestly, a better movie would either see this being alternative timeline where Maxine hunts for the Night Stalker to avenge her friends even attempting to save Molly Bennett. Basically a female version of Taxi Driver, but just like that movie, instead of being seen as some righteous vigilante, she's a blood thirsty psychopath, almost like Pearl was. The movie can either see her either confronting and/or killing the Night Stalker, only to see herself a bit in him. Or, even better: Don't even show the Night Stalker at all and leave it more ambiguous of who's killing people.
OR... maybe the movie could've seen Maxine getting the roles she wanted but never can earn. And no amount of blonde hair and perky breasts will ever get her the fame she believes she'd be entitled to. This lead her to become unhinged and take desperate measures like Pearl does in the last movie. Maxine ends up murdering people so it can convince those to hired her, even her own friends/castmates, despite not doing anything to her to deserve it. Maybe have her be the person they suspect for the Night Stalker murders, and it's only a matter of time before she's either caught or killed.
Also, I feel like you could've cut the dad and PI character John out of the movie. Perhaps, for a short cameo, like Maxine calling him or something, but maybe after a few years of him try searching for Maxine, he gave up, especially after she changed her number and identity. Maxine tells him that this is on her, not him, and whatever will happen to her, she'd face the punishment herself.
I wished they would've mirrored Pearl's life with Maxine's in this movie. There's a line in X when Pearl tells Maxine that they are a lot alike, that should've been an easy prompt for this movie, have Maxine meet an end like Pearl's seeing as they were both chasing a dream that would cost them their lives.
YEP especially because they also showed Maxine doing the same dance as Pearl like it was all RIGHT THERE
Also, I thought that was supposed to be the point of the "X Factor." Like it's a double edged sword.
Although I think they didn’t do that because Maxine had changed her last name & died her hair blonde in the movie to escape her previous life. Pearl says in X that she always hated blinded & in the movie Pearl, Pearl believe that Mitzy got the Broadway part even though Mitzy made it clear that she didn’t, Pearl says to her that she always gets what she wants implying that she gets this likely cause she’s a blonde which is likely why Maxine died it to get on a similar path which would’ve went against the whole Pearl thing if she didn’t get the part. I think the point is that blonde woman get what they want no matter what. But idk
Why do y’all just want a pearl movie 2.0? Like jist watch pearl if maxxxine would’ve been another pearl 2.0 I’m wouldn’t be gagging
the whole point of the entire thing is that maxine is the complete opposite of pearl. maxine could've gone down the same path but she did everything pearl didn't - didn't give up. that's literally been the point since X 😂
Maxxxine wrapped up the trilogy. Another installation is just a money grab.
Exactly what I think… we don’t need any more at this point.
At least wait a few years and give us something to miss!
@@PossessedbyHorror I saw someone say that Maxxxine had off screen deaths on Twitter and it put me off.
No one is hiring Shia Lebeauf so his girlfriend is pulling double duty
Supposedly, the fourth film (if he does make one) is going to take place after Pearl and explore why her husband goes along with her in X. @@PossessedbyHorror
the only new instalment i'd like to see added to the X universe is how Howard and Pearl's relationship developed after he came back from the war at the end of Pearl. I'd love to see a movie about them growing old together and both matching each other's freak and killing people that came their way
"I'm curious if other people consider this a slasher."
It's actually funny that you brought that up because I have been contemplating that myself, since seeing the movie. To me, I feel like X was definitely a slasher, Pearl was more of a character study, and Maxxxine was both mixed into one. And I actually think that's where the movie kind of fell short for me: it couldn't decide what exactly it wanted to do, and, because of that, it didn't feel as focused as the other two.
Also, you hit the nail on the head regarding Maxine herself because I thought the same thing. The part where said "I intend to" in the trailer had me SO hyped because I thought she would be unhinged from that point, forward, and take down everyone who was targeting her. Especially after that alley scene. So to have gotten what we did felt a tad bit off because the Maxine at the end of X, like you said, didn't need anyone's help to do what she felt she needed to.
But overall, I really did enjoy the movie. I'm conflicted on whether I like X or Maxxxine more, but Pearl is also my undeniable favorite. One of my top 10 favorite movies of all time.
I'm personally done with Maxine's story, but I do want to see a sequel to pearl. I want to see how Howard deals with everything Pearl has done, (She killed his sister after all). How Pearl eventually convinces him to become like her (maybe she uses his traumas on the war cuz in the movie he seems like a "normal guy in love" unless I missed something). People coming to the house to check up on them only for Pearl to kill them and Howard cleaning up after her out of love until he's driven mad just like her... maybe end it with him killing his own mother for Pearl and then it leads to X.
I loved Maxxxine but the only thing i did have to complain about was the ending feeling rushed.
Agreed. When she got to the Hollywood sign and her father was already lying there bleeding out, my cousin and I were like ??? That’s it?? We waited two years for this 💀
Honestly. It could’ve had a bit more in it
Ngl as someone who follows horror news a lot, I was kinda surprised just how little Halsey‘s part was in that movie!
I was also (happily) surprised to see Lilly Collins on screen!! Didn’t know she was part of the movie! And they kind of made her a bit unrecognisable! Had to do a double take to make sure it’s her.
I looooove your warm hair! So pretty!
honestly i loved it. i agree that the ending/villain weren’t strong but the VIBES WERE SOOOOO GOOD
I was so dissatisfied in this movie. The difference between this, X and Pearl is so crazy. Like what happened!?
An easy cash grab, not inspired anymore
Deliberately trying to do something different, for better or for worse, instead of a total rehash.
Exactly my thoughts.
I would LOVE a fourth one following Pearl again. Could do the 1930s/40s period piece vibe
I really thought that X and Pearl were leading to something very different for the character of Maxine. Honestly... almost like her becoming an Aileen Wuornos in the end. I thought the parallels between her and Pearl would manifest more...but triggered by the industry cutting her down. Less self-induced like Pearl but ultimately gnarly tragic and unhinged.
Nope. Once Maxine went blonde in this new movie, she was likely gonna get everything she wanted because of it like Pearl believed for blondes.
This is what I was hoping for. Maybe that would've been too obvious, but I think it also would've been more interesting.
Keep that honesty and realness. You are one of the best reviewers. Please don't stop! (Proud of you!)
saw it a few days ago and every time I went on youtube I was checking to see if this had been uploaded haha
I’m gonna be honest I wasn’t a fan of this one. Absolutely zero tension the entire movie to the point of it being boring in spots. It’s shot and acted very well, but the script was noticeably weaker than both X and Pearl. My least favorite of the three for sure.
Facts! Incredible let down
Love to see the red back! Red hair is such an amazing color on you✨️
Been waiting for this one and knew you’d agree it should have been left as a two film series. Now I can’t wait for your longlegs review
Omg I’m seeing it tomorrow and trying to be cautiously excited haha
@@PossessedbyHorrorme too I can’t wait but I’m really trying not to big it up too much lol
@@sefonthemoonfr, it looks really good & the advertising for it has been amazing. But I don’t want to overhype it either & then end up disappointed. So imma keep my expectations low or at least grounded.
@@PossessedbyHorror@PossessedbyHorror it's already proclaimed as one the most traumatizing horror experiences of the decade. Mmkay, we'll see haha it's still Martyrs for me!😱💥
@@PossessedbyHorrorJust saw it tonight! Highly recommend!!!
It sucks that you‘re getting bad comments, I love your videos and never skip them. Been watching you since way back (like 2010ish, probably an old acc), I found you because I was looking up mac face and body reviews💀 You‘ve been such a comfort person/creator for me!💜💜
I agree about the “in your face” 80s elements 😭 I promise I didn’t need A “1985” text, Ronald Reagan clip, or references to Prince & St Elmo’s Fire to know it was the 80s
For real, the people who liked it always say "it was inspired by the 80s" and reminded them of some 80s Director but like what else is good about 'Maxxxine' (plot wise)? like I don't gaf about the 80s💀😭
Every movie of the trilogy has a title card of the year it’s set in
Pearl had a 1918 title card
X had a 1979 title card
And maxxxine 1985
So yes it is gonna have a 1985 title card if it’s set in 1985
Then you missed the whole point of this trilogy. Each one has its own style.
@@CursedBarbieoh good catch! thanks for the pointer because I forgot about that in the rest of the trilogy. I more meant to say that the 1985 text, along with the awesome costume design, colors, and music was enough for me to get the idea where the time was set
I actually appreciated the montage in the beginning. It felt like it was trying to show that this isn't the glorified 80s that most people look back on, but I also feel like it fell flat in bringing the corrupted 80s to life. The only hint at how bad the 80s were, after the montage, was the bumbling cops looking to beat their chest at Maxine instead of actually finding out who did this.
had a blast watching this movie with a friend really appreciate the talent and creativity to put film together thought maxxxine was a great lead
The soundtrack and sound engineering was spot on I thought
thanks for review too nice to hear others thoughts ;)
tragic story though about what happened at that time ( Richard Ramirez) feel for the families of the victims
I could've appreciated more gore, but I loved it anyway. And they did a great job on 80s branding. Even the product labels were perfect. I think some (all) of the attention focused on Ramirez should've been spent on her background/family experience.
Actually, connected to your anecdote at the end, I kinda wonder if I would have enjoyed it more as a stand alone?
some of the side characters acting really took me out of the film & i think the only thing that made it an R-rating were the slasher elements to it but the film felt disjointed & in two halves for me!
I agree! Also just the characters introduced to obviously be killed off later…
@@PossessedbyHorror this !!! I always hope for some writing that’ll make me think “ wait … maybe they won’t be ? “ - hard to pay attention to a character who’s clearly gonna die in a couple of minutes 😅
i was also so burnt out on 80s nostalgia, but i absolutely LOVED all three of the movies you mentioned, i felt like they all kinda had their own unique take on it
Yes I agree!!
Sarah your timing is emaculate literally my partner and I JUST got back from the theatres watching MaXXXine and I immediately thought of you
I feel very similar about Maxxxine. I think it’s totally fine - I can’t even put a finger on anything that I disliked. I was just a bit underwhelmed and I thought they were gonna do more to thematically bookend the trilogy
I did like it a lot. The ending wasnt great but the rest of the movie was really fun. Visually it was beautiful. Pearl will always be my favorite. I wouldnt mind a 2nd Pearl movie for the 4th installation of the series.
I truly appreciate your honest feedback. I find I agree the majority of the time with it. I think we can feel the sincerity and just thank you for that
It was giving Halloween ends lowkey. With how that trilogy went.
I always appreciate your honesty in your reviews! ❤
"Try to hang on, Maxxxiiiiine"
-Donald Fagen lyrics, 1982
I have mixed feelings of the movie, I enjoyed it for the most part but where it lost me was the climax/ending. It all happened so fast and abrupt, I was waiting for more and then it ended, it was unsatisfying for me especially since it’s the “final movie”
I actually loved this movie and its probably my favorite in the trilogy. But I 100% agree with the fact that it was a disappointment with how tame it kinda felt throughout, even I was expecting more kills and moments with Maxine being a badass.
It’s so strange because, in all honesty, I didn’t know this was a trilogy, I came in thinking the title was referring to the main character’s profession and I left the movie theatre feeling like this might genuinely be my fav movie of 2024!
I love that they did a whole trilogy tbh.
Pearl was unhinged,
I liked X (not my genre at all but still),
And this one I was waiting for because I just like the actress a LOT.
She’s pure talent.
i’m so MAD they fumbled so hard
The ode to Theda on the Hollywood star. Chef’s kiss
I was really confused with how little we saw of Halsey and Lily Collins considering how much promo they were involved in, and overall just felt very “meh” about the movie. I hope the franchise stops at three 😅
Pearl is definitely a perfect film. Thank you for your honest, as always, review. You are my favorite reviewer, you never hold back!
when will decade movies start focusing in the 90s? 😭
tbh i think maxine could have been one of the most compelling characters of this decade had the story stopped with X. i love her so I'm def excited for the 4th movie but i'm not hopeful 😭
She was pretty passive for most of the movie with just flashes of badass.
When the cop said you could save the next one I thought it was going to shift into gear but nope.
I was kind of hoping she would be more like Pearl, doing whatever it takes to get the star role or at least be a badass final girl antihero but it didn't do either.
More style than substance. Definitely missing the umph that would have closed the trilogy with a bang.
X was a horror movie. Pearl was a character story drama. Maxxxine was a thriller… and we do need to bring back the thriller… I loved this so much. X is still the best. But this movie was just FABULOUS
X is def my favorite too.
I was hoping the thriller elements would be more like the shining and less literal or just be a full on slasher
also hated that maxxxine was basically the opposite of a girls girl here after all she went thru. she LET lily collins die 😭
I really enjoyed your review and thoughts on Maxxxine, thanks for sharing them!
Keep sharing your honest opinions, even if some people disagree, more people appreciate the genuine content
Completely agree with your review. I loved everything about Pearl and was really excited to see where the story was going. Did leave the cinema a bit underwhelmed
If there is a fourth, since all three are kinda different subgenres already, I think it’d be cool to see a prequel for Maxine that’s more folk horror of her escaping her father’s cult. I think if we see her in a traumatic gruesome situation before X, it might explain why she didn’t seem very affected by the trauma during X but is starting to be affected by it later on
I liked it, especially that Ti West formed a trilogy of films that occupy different genres.
X- 70s grindhouse slashers (specifically TCM)
Pearl- 40s and 50s technicolor like Wizard of Oz meets Hitchcock
Maxxxine- late 70s-early 80s noir a la Paul Schrader, Brian DePalma, and William Friedkin.
One on the worst things horror franchises do is become overly repetitive in the name of fan service. With these films, they each stand on their own.
Can I just say I LOVE your new hair!!!
Definitely feels less inspired than the other two, and I really don’t know it was trying to say with the ending. Especially since to me with pearls character it felt like a critique of obsession with stardom and vanity. However something I really enjoyed was how it portrayed puritanicalism and Christianity. How the people who often hate sex are enjoyers of it and are obsessed with it
I haven’t seen it yet but I loved X and Pearl and I’m a big halsey fan so I’m excited to see her performance!
Pretty certain this is the fastest I’ve ever clicked a video notification of yours 😅 I agree!! I went in with such low expectations that I was pleasantly surprised by the movie itself, but it was marketed as a slasher and what we got was more of a mystery/thriller. I’m also glad there was less of a focus on the night stalker. My biggest critique is how the writing needed to be tighter, characters more focused, storyline better fleshed out etc.
I love this movie. It is my all of the trilogy.
Good review and cool video Sarah!👉🙂👈
Saw this and fell asleep during it, thought about rewatching it but I think I just want real horror, I’m ready for the rest of the horror movies this year to be actually scary
Then you are just used to the cliches, blood and jump scares. Horror is more than that.
@@Jossanchez2i wouldnt blame them though, i really liked the movie but will admit it fell short of substance compared to the other two in execution (no pun intended). I’m big on arthouse movies but I still gravitate towards X more than Pearl because of the classic horror elements done very well with the subtle artistic additions and commentary. It could very much sold be sold as a popcorn slasher but still has a unique identity to it. Maxxxine still has that, but just doesn’t live up to the other two in that regard imo
This is my movie of the year so far, I think the whole trilogy is masterpieces and in my favorites list but this may be my favorite of them
So my ranking of this trilogy, X > Pearl > Maxxxine. I know most people were obsessed with Pearl but I think I saw the promo for it too many times and a lot of the tension was taken away from some of the best scenes. However it’s still a work of art and I think it works really well as a prequel or standalone. To me, Maxxxine doesn’t seem like as much of a work of art unfortunately and doesn’t work as a stand-alone obviously. I still liked it enough, and I think it’s pretty difficult to make a stellar 3rd movie in a franchise ( I can’t think of any that are done excellently). If ti west does choose to continue this franchise I hope he picks it back up with the next one and stays away from tropes. I’m not sure if Maxxxine was meant to appeal to wider audiences or be more mainstream, but if that’s the case I’d like to franchise to go back to being outlandish lol
the theatre i saw it in actually improved the experience significantly. a lot of laughs and reactions from people helped to keep the pace and make things more interesting. not my favorite but its clear ti west can sell tickets and i hope it can lead to more films from him.
Amazing review!
I definitely agree that this is the weakest in the trilogy. And I also was expecting it to be my #1 fave movie of the year. Def didn’t love it immediately like I did X and Pearl. I still give it a 7/10 and will own it on physical media lol. Went it with lower expectation which was good. I agree with you about Maxine being a bit different in this one character-wise. I REALLY wanted some more of her yelling in this (not the Pearl kind of scream, but the Maxine from X kinda scream/shout). There’s were moments but I felt her character would’ve yelled more like in X. Also I was hoping for a bit more gore (specifically the Night Stalker killings) but like what we got was good but was also hoping/expecting more. I enjoyed the soundtrack and the cinematography was excellent as always. And the reveal in the third act was obviously predictable if you’ve seen X so wasn’t as surprising but still interesting. And the ‘climax’ of the movie wasn’t my fave and a little easy/convenient for me. Halsey was good but I didn’t really like her accent😅 Elizabeth Debicki’s character (Liz Bender) was surprisingly one of my faves in the movie. I’m hoping they don’t make a fourth movie but IF they do, I’d rather see more of Pearl in her middle aged years and what kind of shenanigans she got up to then. Like if they had any military men or or farm helpers or someone staying in that bunkhouse and how Pearl would act in those situations and see when Howard starts getting into the killing like we see in X. We can take a break from Maxine’s character now😂 I need some more unhinged Pearl in my life😂🤩
So so pleased to see this review. And so delighted you liked the 80snesss of it! Probably the most entertaining of the trilogy to me, but Pearl will always have my heart. She’s THE star in my eyes!
Lol @ the lady not seeing the other movies beforehand 😂😂😂 also I completely agree with your review. It was a nice wrap up pf the trilogy and that’s about it.
Pearl was my favorite of the 3.
That alley scene was delicious fun! I needed a great laugh that day😱🤣
Maxxxine was Xellent!😉
And a killer soundtrack!
A superb close to this xtrodinary story. If there's more story, great! I'm always looking forward to what mia does next🥰
I WAS WAITING FOR YOU TO REVIEW THIS. Mia Goth supremacy 🥰😍and now to watch the review lolll
An amazing portrayal of the 80s is the show Halt and Catch Fire! They emphasize the tech of the time bc it’s focused on home computers becoming popular, and the start of the internet. But it never feels cliche and feels very grounded in the time
I didn’t know this movie was part of a trilogy! I watched it as a stand alone movie and liked it. To me it was a noir film with social commentary about the Hollywood industry and morality. I did feel like the main character was a little flat though, since she doesn’t talk much and kinda has the same emotional tone throughout.
did you dye your hair!! it looks more red I love it
I’d say the movie overall set itself very well, with the opening showing Maxine setting up her own plot of trying to be a star, her trauma from X, and the alley scene showing off how she’s a threat to those who appose her. Her big break with her being casted for it was done well, but the problem was it failed to sail at the rate it was going after that.
With Maxine not really being much of a character after said events, she becomes more of a normal person if this was real life and feels like watching a bystander in some moments. Her refusing to talk to the police when people she knows die then switching up when another person she knows die, we watch her go throughout her life just dealing with the consequences in the last film (with the guy played by Kevin bacon with the blackmail) more than dealing with the new ones in this film (the “Night Stalker” who turned out to be her dad). It doesn’t make it too interesting when the protagonist doesn’t have a problem they’re looking to overcome.
Idk these are my critiques and I kind of write this on a whim so sorry if I got something wrong (plus my memory fades very easily after a while and I saw this on the 13th). Overall though I did enjoy it and rate it a 7.5/10. Definitely the worst in the X series, but that’s not to say it was bad.
It's the period (80s) a lot of current filmmakers grew up in. Ti West feels like a guy who would love to teach a film history class.
I expected the worst from this and ABSOLUTELY loved it.
I have not seen MaXXXine yet but I just wanted to say that the box office win may be because MaXXXine got world release. I was really surprised when I saw the release date for my country as we didn’t have the previous two.
i agree so much that the other two were just so Perfect for me. i still Loved this one but definitely the weakest for me. i wrote a super long review on letterboxd getting into all my thoughts but i definitely had some nitpicks with maxxxine that just weren't there for the others. my ranking of the movies is the same as yours :3 !!
I was surprised by Maxxxine in some ways, but I also think I wanted more from it. The ending felt rushed to me and I wanted more from the side characters, I feel like they didn’t get enough screen time. Anyway, Pearl is definitely still my favorite of the trilogy. Looking forward to seeing Longlegs this weekend though.
Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on Longlegs 👀
Absolutely agree with everything you said! Some of the side characters (like Kevin Bacon) took me out of the film…His performance felt over the top and not in a good way. Also, I’m from the south and it irritated me hearing his fake southern accent. Mia Goth does a decent job with it though. Overall, it was an okay movie. Definitely the weakest in the trilogy.
Unrelated but I just saw that Kate Siegel and Mike Flanagan are going to direct some of the next V/H/S installment? I'm super excited about that! Wasn't sure if you had seen that announcement.
I went to see it the other night. I wished I'd seen the other 2 at the cinema because I love X and Pearl. I find it hard to choose a favourite between the 2. I did enjoy Maxxxine, but it felt like it was a bit all over the place. I thought the other characters that we saw in the trailer, didn't end up doing a whole lot in the movie. I liked how they did include her father and we got a bit more about her religious fanatic background, but it could have been done better. I was hoping for a bit more about the Satanic Panic hysteria and the friction with religion at the time, but it felt like that was just sort of in the background. I'm hoping it will grow on me like X did. 😅
I did like the reference with the ceramic goose though. 😂
I'm going to see the Longlegs opener tonight and very excited! Looking like it's going to sell out which is odd for a horror film where I live. Lots of good hype and I'm officially a big Maika Monroe fan now.
I like this review. You pointed out the positives and negatives in a fair manner. I'll have to see this one. ♥️
I was hoping maxxxine would be the killer if it was gonna go full on slasher - or it becomes distorted kinda like infinity pool - especially with that opening quote about having to become a monster to make it.
This movie came with a unique problem, the problem was i didn't know who i was supposed to be rooting for. Especially after the scene set in the alley. I know it sounds corny but the best final girls are the ones who go through the grime and the gore and the struggle but still come out elevated on the other side. Maxxxine was a monster at times and completely heartless at others she stooped to the level of pearl herself with some of the kills, even her friend at the video store she wasn't particularly nice to. Some relatability started to shine through at the end when she was captured and started to show some vulnerability but it didn't last long. So at the end i was like am i supposed to feel happy? She lacked that character trait that allows you to empathize or sympathize with her. A recent example of a good final girl is Nora from the movie 'underwater' or Joey from the film 'abigail'. Joey is morally grey done right, her personality pulls you in and gets you to care for her unlike maxxxine. Cinematography and score as well as acting were all stellar though.
Just saw this lat night. I don't get why she would feel guilty NOW of what happened with pearl in X. She's always been unhinged and determined to achieve stardom, and her having these haunting images in her head is out of character.
Looking forward to your review of Longlegs!
If “Maxxxine” would’ve came out the same year “X” and “Pearl” came out, it would be just as good as the first two
It's not perfect but it's my favorite of the series. I think each one was better than the last, and I especially love how each has a different tone and vibe, rather than repeating what was done before like other franchises do. Of course, that means if you really like one entry, the next probably changes the things you enjoyed, so it's def a double-edged approach
Still, one of my top films of the year so far, and as long as a 4th entry tries something new, I will eagerly await it
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on longlegs!
i can't unfortunately watch it at the cinema (because of some reasons) and i was so excited 😭 i'm really excited when it will be available somewhere!!
i don't know if it's a horror film, but i hope you will make a review on "trap" by m. night shyamalan.✨
Yes I definitely will review that one!