My quick rating - 6.5/10. Ti West’s MaXXXine closes out the trilogy that began with the grindhouse horror X and the technicolor brilliance of Pearl. Set in 1980s Hollywood, the film follows an adult film star with aspirations of becoming a mainstream actress, as she finally gets her big break. Mia Goth is brilliant once again as Maxine Minx as she is traversing her way to stardom out of the porn industry. However, her rise to fame is shadowed by a mysterious killer who begins stalking and murdering the starlets of Hollywood. As the bodies pile up, the trail of blood threatens to unearth Maxine’s sinister past. The film is a fascinating blend of late '70s Giallo aesthetics with nods to the '80s video nasty slashers. While it expertly captures the atmosphere of the era, the flick refrains from fully committing to the horror elements that defined the previous entries in the trilogy. This is where the film falters in my opinion. Unlike X, which embraced its grindhouse roots, and Pearl, which thrived on dramatic intensity, MaXXXine tiptoes around the horror genre, often pulling back just when you expect it to dive in. Despite that, this flick remains an entertaining and well-made thriller. The high production values are evident, and West’s direction is as sharp as ever. His ability to write and direct a cohesive trilogy is impressive, and he continues to showcase his talent behind the camera. The film's visual style is stunning, with cinematography that perfectly captures the gritty yet glamorous vibe of 1980s Hollywood. However, as the final chapter in a trilogy that began with such promise, MaXXXine feels to me like the weakest entry. It doesn’t quite match the intensity or impact of its predecessors, leaving you wanting more from what should have been a thrilling conclusion. You know I won't do spoilers but for all of that to be wrapped up in this conclusion was a letdown. Nevertheless, for fans of the series and those who appreciate a well-crafted thriller, this is still worth a watch. Just don’t go in expecting the same level of horror that made the first two installments so memorable.
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