Heavier Trip” (2024) is the sequel to the 2018 Finnish comedy “Heavy Trip,” continuing the misadventures of the fictional heavy metal band Impaled Rektum.
Synopsis
After their last adventures, band members Turo, Lotvonen, Xytrax, and Oula are imprisoned in a Norwegian jail. While they are in the cell, the news that Lotvonen’s family reindeer farm is about to go bankrupt. That’s why they plan an elaborate escape. To make a living and save the farm the four head on an adventure which sees them traverse northern Europe to the Wacken Open Air, Germany’s most famous music festival. But this journey won’t come easy as they face a number of trials, a ruthless prison warder, a crooked label executive and others that threaten their values and brotherhood.
Cast & Crew
- Directors: Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren
- Writers: Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren
- Producers: Kaarle Aho, Kai Nordberg, and Jukka Vidgren
- Main Cast:
- Johannes Holopainen as Turo
- Samuli Jaskio as Lotvonen
- Max Ovaska as Xytrax
- Chike Ohanwe as Oula
- Anatole Taubman as Mr. Fisto
- David Bredin as Rob
Notably, the Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal makes a cameo appearance, adding a unique touch to the film’s musical landscape.
IMDb Ratings
As of December 2024, “Heavier Trip” holds an IMDb rating of 6.3/10, based on 333 user reviews.
Critical Reception
The film has garnered mixed to positive reviews:
- Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com notes that while the sequel offers “fewer surprises and less urgency,” it retains the charm of its ensemble cast, particularly highlighting Xytrax’s character. Roger Ebert
- Jonathan DeHaan from Nightmare on Film Street describes it as “a laugh-out-loud riot and a full-on assault of metal gags & killer tracks, like a Blues Brothers for headbangers.” Rotten Tomatoes
Cultural Significance
“Heavier Trip” explores further the underground cultures of heavy metal and issues concerning the conflict between commercialism and integrity within the harsh music industry. The band’s narrative story illustrates the struggles which artists have in trying to stay true to themselves amid the temptations of stardom and wealth. The movie did not omit Babymetal which connects Finnish and Japanese metal scenes and demonstrates the internationality of the genre.
Personal Insights
New fans who join avid supporters of the original “Heavy Trip” will still love the continuation of Impaled Rektum’s story as the sequel adds a comic relief, music, and some touching moments. Now axis crossroads doing a wider focus over the story as well, Turo’s internal struggle construction to the general story while Xytrax stays true to his beliefs. As for the fans of the film, who are part of metal societies, their unique representation was ridiculed and embraced at the same time which is why this movie is good for both fans and people inexperienced with it.