MaXXXine

I just got back from an early screening and wanted to share a few thoughts. Overall, it was a good time. Some of the tone felt more like a drama than horror as there are no real tense or scary moments, but I understand that horror isn't always interpreted that way.

If you haven't seen Pearl, you'll be fine. I do feel that you would need to at least watch X beforehand to understand some of the backstory and references.

I was very into the style of the movie, that 80s glam/sleaze look and feel was nailed perfectly. Ti West is good for that as seen in his earlier work, especially The House of the Devil. X remains my favorite of the trilogy but if you're a fan of the other two movies, you'll enjoy this. Mia Goth is always worth a watch.

The soundtrack, costumes, and performances were all done very well.

"MaXXXine" is a direct sequel to "X" (unlike "Pearl" which sort of stands alone). In it, Maxine Minx gets a role in a legitimate film called "The Puritan 2" (a sequel to "The Puritan") and is anxious to finally become a real star. However, her past from the events of "X" start to catch up to her when a detective (who is working for a mysterious man) finds her, and among the backdrop of the "Night Stalker" slayings in Los Angeles, people around Maxine are starting to die...

"MaXXXine" is far the weakest of the three "X" films. That's not to say it's bad, but it doesn't have the real horror and novelty of "X" and the "can't look away" suspense of "Pearl." The person behind everything is pretty obvious, and there are really many threats that are simply too quickly and easily resolved, so much of the suspense is limited. Goth is great, as always, but there really isn't anybody else in the cast that really stands out. And there is a real lack of actual "horror" in this movie. "X" was a great, flat out horror movie. "Pearl" was more horrifying, perhaps, as opposed to pure "horror." But I'm not sure "MaXXXine" really qualifies as a "horror movie" at all. And the ending... meh.

I have no hesitation recommending "MaXXXine" -- the story is interesting, Ti West is a wonderful filmmaker, Maxine Minx is a great character, and Mia Goth is great in the role. But as is the case in more trilogies, the first is clearly the best and each one decreases in quality.

Shoutout to the filmmakers for a great trailer because that's about where the greatness ends.

This film has a pretty solid start for the first 15-20 minutes that seems to set the tone, but it abandons that tone along the way pretty fast. The plot is lackluster and does nothing at all to make you care about any of the characters other than Maxine. Although, sometimes, Maxine is insufferable. Several of the decisions she makes in the movie do not make sense and are incredibly inconsistent with the character.

EVERY "twist" in the movie's plot is predictable if you've watched more than 10 movies in your lifetime.

Kevin Bacon was awesome as usual. That's the only reason I gave this a 3.

In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. However, as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Los Angeles, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

Maxxine is a film that really emphasizes style but falls short in the substance department. While I appreciated the throwbacks to slasher and horror films of the 80s, the plot and execution felt a bit disjointed and lacked coherence. Despite this, the film's unique style ultimately triumphs over its shortcomings. Mia Goth once again delivers an enigmatic performance, though her character felt less compelling compared to the previous instalments in the trilogy.

The third act was somewhat disappointing as it didn't live up to the intense buildup. As a fan of the genre, I found elements to enjoy, but I couldn't help feeling let down by the less-than-epic finale, especially after the thrilling conclusions of the previous two films.

I might've been a little too hyped to see this third installment of the X trilogy because I left the theater somewhat disappointed.

Mia Goth rocks the role of Maxine. But the character deserved a better finale. The stakes didn't feel high enough. I'm a fan of Kevin Bacon, but his character wasn't threatening at all. He was more comical (in an annoying way) and given way too much screen time.

The kills were ok. The detectives were one dimensional characters... and the finale was anti-climactic. I would've liked to have seen something more with a Tarantino vibe.

The best part of the movie (aside from Mia) was the use of 80s music and nostalgia. But I can't really attribute that to the filmmakers.

Not a bad movie by any means. All of the elements were there. But the final product just wasn't as dynamic as it could've been.