Chaos, Cameos, and Concert Dreams Collide

Read Time:5 Minute, 19 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Wayne's World 2 (4KUHD)
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1993, Kino Lorber 4K 2025
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Stephen Surjik
Writer(s): Mike Myers, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner
Cast: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Christopher Walken, Tia Carrere, Chris Farley, Kim Basinger, Drew Barrymore, Charlton Heston, James Hong, Heather Locklear, Tim Meadows, Ed O’Neill
Where to Watch: available May 27, 2025, pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Plenty of sequels fall flat trying to recapture old magic, but occasionally, one finds a way to evolve without losing its voice. This follow-up doesn't just revisit what worked—it amplifies it, takes bolder swings, and delivers more than a few memorable moments. It isn’t perfect, but it leaves a strong impression to justify the return.

WAYNE'S WORLD 2 wastes no time setting up its expanded world. Wayne and Garth have moved their show from the basement to a “more professional” studio. That slight shift ripples through the movie, even when the absurdity is cranked to eleven. The plot kicks off when Wayne receives a dreamlike message from a rock legend urging him to put on a major concert—Waynestock. What follows is part rock tribute, parody, and organized chaos.

The structure leans heavily on sketches and one-off gags rather than a traditionally developed story arc, but that’s often part of the charm for this kind of comedy. Cameos and surprises keep the tone loose, with standout appearances from some familiar faces who embrace the silliness. Del Preston’s entrance as a legendary roadie adds a jolt of absurd energy to the second half, stealing scenes with strange war stories and deadpan conviction. If there's a secret weapon in this sequel, it's Del.

Character-wise, the core duo hasn’t lost its spark. Mike Myers fully embodies Wayne with the same slack-jawed optimism and sly sarcasm that made him an icon, and Dana Carvey’s Garth still twitches his way through awkwardness like a pro. However, the balance between them is a bit skewed this time. Garth’s storyline feels more like a series of punchlines than a full arc, and while his detour into noir-style romance starts strong, it ultimately fizzles out with little payoff. Still, the dynamic between the two remains the emotional anchor, even when the plot spins into preposterous territory.

One of the more successful elements here is the film’s ability to play with its format. Meta-humor and self-referential moments abound, particularly as it leans into blatant parody. The film has fun deconstructing cinematic tropes, and that playfulness helps elevate some of the sloppier transitions. A spoof that mirrors a classic romantic finale stands out as one of the more ambitious—and surprisingly faithful—homages, showing off the writing team’s knack for celebrating and poking fun in equal measure.

With so many side plots and cameo-driven diversions, it doesn’t always feel as tightly put together as possible. The central Waynestock storyline, while enjoyable, sometimes feels like a backdrop rather than a true narrative. The event is fun to watch unfold, but lacks the tension that might’ve elevated it. Solutions arrive too easily, and character challenges are often swept away rather than resolved.

The change in director also brings a noticeable shift in tone and style. The sequel looks slicker and moves faster, but some of the raw, unpolished charm from the original is missing. That doesn’t necessarily hurt the film—it’s still entertaining—but it slightly alters its vibe. The scrappy, DIY spirit that defined the first installment gives way to a more polished, self-aware production that sometimes feels closer to a sketch show than a narrative feature.

Humor is the glue holding it all together. Even when jokes don’t land, the pace rarely slows down long enough for you to dwell on it. The comedic sensibility is smart, with references that range from classic pop culture to goofy slapstick. It doesn’t cater exclusively to fans of the first, but there’s no doubt it was made with affection for the characters and the odd little world they live in.

Something must be said about how this sequel subtly critiques itself. As Wayne and Garth step into the big leagues—organizing a major event, dealing with career decisions, and managing relationships—they’re caught in a situation that mirrors the film's growing pains. The satire turns inward, knowingly highlighting the absurdity of trying to scale up while still being "authentic." That kind of self-awareness gives the movie more depth than it initially lets on.

WAYNE'S WORLD 2 doesn’t feel like a rehash or abandon what made the original work. It takes chances, brings new elements, and embraces its weirdness. While not every idea connects, enough of them do to make it a worthy continuation. It’s a louder, messier, and more ambitious outing that still knows how to make you laugh.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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