Everything just clicks, the time period in which you first watched the movie, sweeping you back to memorable happier times in your life. All the jokes just seem to hit and while deep down you know the movie you're watching is maybe average at best, you rate it higher because there are just certain connotations the film has with you that make it a sentimental favourite.
Any reader here should know that any review here is my own and just my personal opinion. I never actively try to discourage anyone from watching a film and the ratings I give them are based on my personal experience.
I'm merely stating this as we're about to experience two reviews of complete and utter bias...
Presenting to you, the sequel to my favourite movie of all time, still:
WAYNE'S WORLD 2 (1993 dir. Stephen Surjik)
Why I bought it/Why I liked it:
As explained, it's the sequel to my favourite film of all time so of course, it was going to get bought.
To further elaborate, "Wayne's World 2" and ultimately "Wayne's World" were HUGE parts of my childhood growing up. I'll probably go into further detail in the next review but I would idolize these films, genuinely thinking they were the height of cool and possibly annoying my childhood chums with constant references to these films whenever I could shoehorn them in.
In reality, it falls under a perfectly entertaining sequel. There are times when the film borrows some of the best elements from the first film, therefore, lacking the originality of its predecessor but at this point, it was a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. In the case of the "Wayne's World" franchise, Mike Myers and co knew when to stop too before it outwore its welcome. Had there been a "Wayne's World 3", I may have had more to gripe about.
But there are enough gags and laughs to be had through the duration of the film. Wayne and Garth are still incredibly charming, Cassandra is still drop-dead gorgeous. The supporting actors and cameos are just as memorable too ranging from Ralph Brown's show-stealing Del Preston to personal fav Chris Farley's Milton. It conjures up warm images and the soundtrack is rocking too, Aerosmith not quite in on the gag as Alice Cooper was previously but still game.
Oh, and Christopher Walken plays the bad guy, although nowhere near as effective as Rob Lowe's terrifically slimy performance as Benjamin, he delivers a reliable turn.
It's the 90's in a comedic 95-minute package! Of course, I love this film.
If I think it'll stay in the collection:
It's not even going to get a whiff of the trade pile honestly. Yes, it's dated comedy in places but fuck it, it's MY dated comedy and I love it to bits. The only way I can see it going is if I find a terrific deal on Blu-Ray, but the extras need to be sweet too.
The review:
"Wayne's World 2" is a case of a sequel striking while the iron is hot. As I watched it, you could see a lot of the old gags from the first movie creep back in but there are still some stand out sequences that warrant many a good laugh. I still had a blast watching it but like I said I'm biased.
The movie is gloriously self-referential but perhaps relies on too many film parodies of the time, the final act looking to really hammer home that "Graduate" gag. But the main stars are on fine form, Mike Myers beaming away, sly winks to the camera, Dana Carvey's awkward Garth amiably bumbling along with each scene. Any scene with the aforementioned Ralph Brown is a delight as he pretty much steals the show when he turns up.
The movie lacks the tightness of the first, possibly due to the loss of Penelope Spheeris who quite famously had a big falling out with Mike Myers during the production of the first film. It loses its edge somewhat but is still no less an entertaining movie. Some of the strengths of the film, in fact, are the little throwaway gags tossed here and there that reward you for paying attention.
It's from the strength of the first film that the stars started swarming in for the second. Christopher Walken despite being a big coup (and the fact you get to see him bust out the moves) sort of sleepwalks his way through the film, not chewing up the scenery as gloriously as he was in "Welcome To The Jungle". As mentioned Rob Lowe was MUCH better as the antagonist in the first film.
The cameos, oh the cameos. Kevin Pollack, Drew Barrymore, James Hong, Charlton Heston, Harry Shearer and Ted McGinley. Even Heather Locklear although wisely she doesn't speak.
Kim Basinger's here too, her subplot with Garth is there just because they needed to use Kim Basinger and while she's easy on the eyes, the subplot goes nowhere. It is fun, however.
And most criminally Ed O'Neill's Glenn is reduced to one appearance. A forgotten gem of the first film, he's one and done here but still delivers a great performance. Ed O'Neill is always fantastic in anything he's in. He should always be in more things.
The soundtrack is excellent, many classic rock staples peppered throughout. If anything it's the constant references to Oliver Stones' "The Doors" that make the movie seem a trifle dated, one of those weird films that you forgot existed but made a little splash at the time.
Finally, sure, some gags you can see for a mile off but that doesn't make them any less satisfying when they land.
Should it stay or should it go?
Ultimately, "Wayne's World 2" is a dumb but fun film. I'd say even the cold-hearted of people wouldn't be able to crack a smile at least once while watching this film. I still enjoyed revisiting this one and I'm giving it a strong 8 out of 10 here. It doesn't outstay its welcome and is still a fitting end to the franchise.
So no prizes for guessing what the next review is then. If you thought I was overly complimentary of this film, you ain't seen nothing yet.
Until next time, I remain,
Matt Major
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