A sequel to 2020's "Becky" that's really just an excuse to have Becky (Lulu Wilson) run through a band of unprepared bad guys, "Wrath of Becky" half-heartedly leans on Jan 6 allusions in pitting our teenage hero against an insurrection-minded cell of homegrown traditionalist terrorists led by an amusingly cast Sean William Scott, who assume they have what it takes to ultimately overcome the little blonde girl whose dog they've stolen but are most likely just easy pickings for her. If you loved "Becky", you'll probably like this. It's hard to deny, however, that this is a downgrade in the story department, even as the movie excels in its depiction of girlvenge violence (a head explosion scene is a particularly hilarious highlight). Tapping into the American political climate in such a blunt way doesn't give the events any more gravitas or merit than they would've had if "The Wrath of Becky" had been more brazen in its exploitative instincts and is, in fact, a little cringy. I did like the way the filmmakers wound Jill Larson of "The Taking of Deborah Logan" fame into what little story there is, though, and the echoes of "John Wick" are kinda fun too. In the end, this sequel stands or falls based on the quality of its kills and visual flourishes, and in that sense at least it is a success story.
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