Buddy Games: Spring Awakening

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the original either, it was at least an entertaining movie with a few funny parts. This one, however, was not.

The writing was very poor. The story had no real sense of direction that I could figure out, it just kind of meandered its way through random scenarios. The opening felt like a dream sequence because of how absurd it got, careful never to actually cross the line into the realm of humor though.

I was confused by the random new age 'woke' stuff in the middle, and couldn't figure out if the movie was trying to advocate for or against it, but seemed to somehow do both? Or maybe neither? Again, careful not to cross into anywhere resembling humor.

In the end, I just have to wonder why this movie was even made. It's dry, directionless, and humorless. The best actor goes to Dax Shepard, for having the good sense to avoid this pile altogether.

For those unfamiliar with the first Buddy Games, fear not! Prior knowledge is not required to follow the story. What a surprise! The opening scene effectively establishes the central characters, their antagonists, and the high stakes, allowing the adventure to kick off immediately. The editing presents things in a way that assumes no prior knowledge of the games or how they operate and a pop-up scorecard helps you to keep track of each team's position. The initial event ends quickly, leaving plenty of film for more to unfold. After the tragic death of one of their own, Bobfather (played by Josh Duhamel) and the boys steal the urn and embark on a journey to commemorate their friend's life at the place where the Buddy Games first began. However, their plans go awry when they find themselves caught in the chaos of spring break. It's doubtful whether the central cast of Duhamel, Bakkedahl, Dillon, Swardson, and Roday Rodriguez are real-life buddies, but their exceptional chemistry suggests they might be. JD ensures that everyone looks their best, even in humiliating moments for their characters. This movie reminded me of the Jack Ass movies, with their crude and juvenile humor and the constant one-upmanship in pulling off outrageous stunts. If you enjoy that type of pranks, there's nothing wrong with that. Unlike the first film, Josh did not write this one; he "only" directed and starred in it. Whether that's a good thing or not is subjective. Overall, "Buddy Games: Spring Awakening" is a watchable film that offers some entertainment value.

Maybe, like me, you're on a plane and looking for something vaguely funny to put on in the background that you won't have to pay too much attention to. Pick something else. Honestly, I slept through almost half of this movie and it's STILL the worst movie I've ever seen. I mean this genuinely. I've seen some terrible (unwatchable!) student films, I actively like all of the main cast, and despite this, BuddyGames: Spring Awakening still takes the top spot for "worst ever."

The story was...passable. The acting was...not good. It honestly takes a lot to make me actively dislike a movies - a lot of people work on it! Even the bad ones are pretty good! And this one just isn't. If you're on a plane, I hope you have wifi and you see this.

What were you expecting, a masterpiece or something? It delivers on a sequel to the first movie. It's a stupid buddy comedy that doesn't take itself seriously. It's almost like an actual funny version of Grown Ups 2. I love a good Late Night Comedy style movie, like Grandmas Boy or Hot Tub Time Machine and this teeters on the line of comedy and pacing. If you haven't seen it and you want a dumb fun comedy, watch both Buddy Games movies. Hell I wish they'd make a third one, or even a second season of the game show.

The show was a little bit too long and the side characters are kind of annoying, that's about it.

If you come across the second Buddy Games movie and think to yourself, like I did... "Sure. Let's give it a go. The first one wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen." Don't. Just don't! Take that hour and a half and stare at a wall. Watch paint dry. Do literally anything else.

You're welcome in advance.

Here's the plot: The Bobfather and his friends steal an urn to honor their deceased friend, Durfy, at the place where the Buddy Games began.

But, their plans take an unexpected turn as they find themselves in the chaos of spring break. As they attempt to pay tribute to their lost friend, they realize their old-school partying skills can't keep up with the wild ways of today's generation.