Párty Hárder: Summer Massacre

Marty Pohl has taken his filmography up a notch, slowly but surely making his way into mainstream distribution without compromising his style. For that, he has my utmost respect and best wishes for massive success so he can continue pushing his craft forward. Party Harder: Summer Massacre is a proper film in every sense, with a more deliberate pace and a well-thought-out script compared to the fast-paced hour of Party Hard. Every joke lands, and many funny moments get an extra twist. The standout element is the character development of Poulíček, who undergoes the most significant transformation, perfectly complementing the main duo from the first film. Amid all the raunchy humor and swearing, there's a focus on genuine friendship that feels authentic and believable. I might have expected even more over-the-top moments, but Marty wisely chose to focus on story cohesion rather than just piling on the absurdity and vulgarity, which ultimately benefits the film. I’m rooting for Marty to establish himself as a director just as strongly as he has as Řezník. The Czech music scene needs someone to stir things up from time to time, and the Czech film industry needs it even more. (06/20/2022)

Martin Pohl elevated his Party from a positive to a comparative and moved the plot of the equally crazy sequel to cinemas and the famous Máchovo Jezero. As far as the technical execution goes, Party Hard was definitely much better to watch. But thanks to its humour, I enjoyed the appealed to me a bit more, but it’s still not my cup of tea – though I must say I liked the scene at the surgery and the end credits scene. I praise the animated insert, it was very bizarre, but quite effective in the end. I wonder if Pohl and co. will come up with a superlative as well. (03/20/2023)

More of the same? You could say that. But at the same time, it must be said that it doesn't matter at all. Marty Pohl promised a more professional film while maintaining a distinctive approach and sense of humor, and he delivered. While it still has a few technical flaws (mainly the sound), it already looks like a film that can go to cinemas. It's more spectacular and tighter, while remaining as likeable as last time. There have been a few changes to the cast of main characters, but the important thing is that they are met with one crazy situation after another, and nobody is holding back. Party Harder once again offers a mix of nasty, vulgar and offensive scenes that are thankfully still funny. And at some moments, you shake your head at how far Pohl and his team were able and willing to go. The greater filmmaking and obviously more professional approach makes the whole thing hold together better. At the same time, however, it's obvious that a lot of the material ended up in the editing room and some of the jokes aren’t finished to a decent punchline and simply fizzle out. On the other hand, it's important to say that there are so many jokes that if one doesn't amuse you or you feel it could have been better, you'll think about it for about fifteen seconds at most, because then the next joke will come. It's nice to see that with the sequel they have moved towards more professionalism, but it's even nicer that despite the professionalism they remain as personable as last time. Better than last time, in fact. And I want more. (06/25/2022)

Though slightly flat in places, Party Harder: Summer Massacre is mostly solid entertainment that kicks into gear in the crucial final act. It’s necessary to recognise that there have not been so many naturalistic faces and other body parts in front of the camera in a Czech film since Pictures of the Old World, and Party Harder deserves praise just for that alone. In the traditionally miserable dry season of, before all of the decent films have their premieres in Karlovy Vary, this solidly messed-up freak show is precisely the hero that Czech cinemas may not deserve, but it’s the one they definitely need. So thanks, Party Harder, and we wish you even more viewers than before. (07/07/2022)

By Czech standards, it is a fine and wacky comedy, progressive in its conception and form. Some of the scenes are bordering on awkwardness and "over the line" (Vyšehrad is still the best in recent years in all aspects, hands down), and sometimes it was hard to understand (Adam Ernest is funny, but I would prefer if he spoke normally). I got it between 3 and 4 stars, but as soon as the Doctor was on, he is the best character also in the first one, I laughed out loud. I was also intrigued by the finale, which is very bold, gritty, bizarre and twisted as it should be. A stronger and more progressive experience than Banger in that respect for me, when it comes to drugs and partying. (04/06/2023)