Ready or Not: Here I Come might be the most entertaining movie of the year. I can’t remember the last time I felt this pumped up in a movie theatre.
I think this film tops the first one in how absurd it gets. The movie doesn’t shy away from being weird and it definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. The story is over the top and so is the whole idea behind this franchise, and I’m just happy to be here and that I get to witness it.
I can happily say that I left the cinema satisfied and with a smile on my face. The film’s dark humour is right in my wheelhouse and I was laughing and smiling from beginning to end. It was 108 minutes of pure action, comedy and some horror. The movie does actually have a few really gory, or rather horrific, scenes.
Ready or Not: Here I Come takes place directly at the end of the first movie and then fast forwards a few days. The film continues Grace’s story, but this time she has to go on the run from the world’s most influential people as they try to hunt her down. Grace is joined by her sister Faith, who unfortunately doesn’t know what she just stumbled into.
Samara Weaving once again kicks butt as Grace MacCaulley, as she refuses to give up and fights till the end. She is joined by Kathryn Newton who stars as her sister Faith, and honestly, she’s such a great addition to the movie. Elijah Wood stars as the Lawyer, who basically oversees the hunt.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shawn Hatosy star as the Danforth twins, who are basically the main antagonists. Their father is played by the legendary David Cronenberg. The rest of the supporting cast include Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, Varun Saranga and Néstor Carbonell. Each actor brings their flair to these characters.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, but the film’s setting adds to the story and the hunt. The whole film feels like it was shot on location and feels even bigger than the first one. There are so many awesome scenes in this movie, because it really is packed full of action from beginning to end.
I don’t know who decided what songs to put in this movie, but they perfectly complement the scenes. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler plays in one scene and it completely elevates it. The music beautifully fits the movie’s chaos and the score by Sven Faulconer is simply perfection.
I appreciate all the risks this movie takes, especially when it comes to set pieces and cinematography. There are times when it feels like you’re in Grace or Faith’s shoes and other times the wide shots just transport you into the film. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett once again prove that a simple premise can set up a great story and wonderful worldbuilding.
There really isn’t anything that I don’t love about this movie. Do I think certain scenes could have been shorter? Sure. Do I think that an extra horror or action scene could’ve elevated the story? Definitely. An extra five or ten minutes would have been great, but that said I love this movie and I want everyone to go watch it. It might not be for the faint-hearted, but it’s a film worth checking out. That’s why I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars.