Maxxxine is a giant disappointment compared to the first two (X, Pearl) in the franchise. I also don't really understand what Ti West is trying to do. Maybe being critical of Hollywood and the people pursuing the dream? I don't really think it's that sharp or compelling. The horror elements (psychological and physical) were always the draw for me, which were excellent in the original and Pearl.
It's important to understand that Maxine is the same character from X who is an adult actress. And not Pearl. Because it's been two years or more, I kind of forgot this fact. But the reason I am telling is why I couldn't understand why Maxine is less volatile as Pearl. Although, that doesn't mean she is someone to be messed with. As she demonstrates in a gory scene dealing with a robber. Maxine is trying to make it in Hollywood and very willing to put in the work to make that happen. Unfortunately, there seems to be a killer, named The Night Stalker, roaming around who has been killing people she knew, left and right. But who is this killer? So immediately I was hopeful. A gialloesque slasher / horror in this day and age? It's something I am craving so badly. But then I was looking at the potential killers in the cast and I realized there weren't that many red herrings. Actually, very little red herrings. No, I didn't guess who the killer was. But it was very obvious it was someone from her past. When the killer actually gets revealed, it was incredibly underwhelming. Very likely, because I couldn't even remember this character. An outrageous twist would have been appreciated. But no, Ti West plays it safe in a way that makes no sense.
Some people have been praising the style and the portrayal of the Eighties. But apart from some parts, I think Ti West did an awful job of recreating the Eighties. I just didn't feel it, and I have lived the Eighties. Normally, I get very nostalgic about this period. Since I freaking loved it. Only now, it didn't do anything with me. I wouldn't have had any issues with this had the film infused some sense of dread and thrills. Nothing of the sort. It falls even below an average episode in a crime show like Law and Order.
Overall, it was highly unremarkable. The only things that made this somewhat worth it were the performances by Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon and some of the violence. Other than that, there is not that much substance.
Also check:
- X (2022)
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