Plot:
Months have passed since the gruesome events of the 100-acre Massacre, setting the stage for Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2. Christopher Robin (played by Scott Chambers) now finds himself vilified as the deranged serial killer behind the heinous crimes. His reputation tarnished, he is ousted from his nursing job at the local hospital amidst widespread contempt. Nursing a deep-seated desire for revenge against the town of Ashdown, Christopher Robin faces off against Pooh (portrayed by Ryan Oliva), Piglet (played by Eddy MacKenzie), Owl (embodied by Marcus Massey), and Tigger (portrayed by Lewis Santer).
In this sequel, the characters scatter the remains of their victims throughout the 100-acre Wood as Christopher Robin struggles to piece together the puzzle of his twisted vendetta. With a bolstered budget, co-writer Matt Leslie, now part of the sequel’s creative team, and director Rhys Frake-Waterfield craft a larger-than-life, more intense, and bloodier cinematic experience, surpassing the original in scope and spectacle. Despite leaning into its campy undertones, Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 stands as a commendable film, albeit one that may not reach the heights of greatness.
Review:
In the midst of Pooh and his cohorts wreaking havoc upon the inhabitants of Ashdown, the narrative largely follows their gruesome exploits. The sheer volume of deaths paints a picture of grotesque carnage. These aren’t mere simple stabbings or quick cuts; they delve into the macabre, though they don’t quite reach the chilling heights of Terrifier. Moreover, the lack of compelling characters robs the deaths of any emotional weight, resulting in a theater atmosphere ripe for cheers whenever a victim meets their demise.
Technically, the film exhibits a notable improvement. Often, projects in the realm of Public Domain Horror struggle with technical execution, but here, there’s a welcome display of skill. Enhanced animations inject more personality into the characters, elevating the visual experience.
However, the cinematography, while proficient, shrouds violent scenes and intimate moments in a blur, preventing the film from being purely exploitative. The narrative arc involving Madame Web unfolds seamlessly, a testament to the adept writing and editing in Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2. It’s the type of film that leaves audiences pondering whether the characters themselves comprehend the events of the preceding scenes.
Rating: 2.5/5
