"Metal, friendship, and laughs collide in Heavier Trip! Impaled Rektum’s wild journey from prison to the stage is a must-watch for music lovers. Let’s rock!
Fantastic Fest wouldn’t be the same without films that push the limits of creativity and imagination—and rock. No film captures a love for music quite like "Heavier Trip", directed by Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren. This sequel showcases how the bonds of friendship through metal can overcome anything. Packed with laughs and a familiar narrative for those in the rock industry, "Heavier Trip" is a headbanging comedy that will have metalheads and anyone who’s been in a band smiling from ear to ear.
Picking up where Heavy Trip (2018) left off, we find the guys from Impaled Rektum imprisoned. Despite their circumstances, their pursuit of becoming better musicians continues, even behind bars. In a Monty Python-style twist, they manage an escape when Lotvonen's (Samuli Jaskio) father falls ill. The solution to their problems could come from a menacing promoter offering them a chance to play at Wacken, Germany’s iconic music festival. Each decision band leader Turo (Johannes Holopainen) makes could mean the difference between stardom and losing the most important thing—the identity of Impaled Rektum.
Heavier Trip is a blueprint for aspiring bands, reminding them of the harsh realities of the industry. It also highlights how what’s offered may not always be as promising as it seems. The band’s chemistry, including Max Ovaska as Pasi/Xytrax and Chike Ohanwe as Oula, shines through. Max is particularly engaging, with his almost "Deathklok"-style persona. The pacing and structure of Heavier Trip feel well-executed and seamless throughout. The festival storyline is elevated by the devious promoter and the fantastic array of bands at the contest.
Music lovers of all kinds will have a blast with Heavier Trip. It's not only a step up from the previous entry for Laatio and Vidgren but also a showcase of the team’s growth and potential for the future. Let’s rock!
3.5/5 rating
Heavier Trip
Directors: Juuso Laatio & Jukka Vidgren
Starring: Johannes Holopainen, Samuli Jaskio, Max Ovaska, and Chike Ohanwe
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