Párty Hárder: Summer Massacre

Ça faisait longtemps que je ne m’étais pas senti aussi embarrassé dans une salle de ciné, tout ça parce que j’ai ri énormément et que j’avais l’impression de pas mal déranger. Enfin, réflexion faite, la plupart des spectateurs semblaient être dans une humeur aussi hilare que la mienne ! À tous les niveaux, Párty Hárder: Summer Massacre est la comédie tchèque la plus hilarante de ces dernières années et ce, tout en étant filmée de manière sincère, civile et crédible quant à sa narration. Combien de films tchèques contemporains ont ces caractéristiques ? Et en plus, il me donne sacrément envie de redevenir ado et de replonger dans ce monde aussi décadent que palpitant ! Alors Marty, à quand le troisième volet ? Vivement un Párty Hárdest ! (26/06/2022)

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. (06/04/2023)

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. (25/06/2022)

Awkward, clumsy, seemingly endlessly long and sense-numbing, evoking feelings of shame for all involved. That was the series of about five or six trailers for new Czech films they played in the cinema before Párty Hárder. Then, thankfully, this decent comedy began. I found it less punk and gritty than the first episode, but maybe I'm just remembering it wrong. The production values, on the other hand, have improved a bit, but still not enough to make me give one more star. I would have liked more interesting filmmaking finesse (such as the unconventional use of a familiar musical motif at the end), which would have audiovisually supported this gag-filled but formally simple comedy romp. (23/06/2022)

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)