Fubar II

Sequels are notorious for doing little more than gold digging off the success of a fresh idea and tend to mar the brilliance of the title being exploited. Very rarely does a follow-up match, let alone surpass, the brilliance of its predecessor. Welcome to one of those occasions. Almost a decade after break-out flick Fubar captured the adoration of Canada's rock'n'roll contingent, thanks to the inane antics of headbangers Terry and Dean (Dave Lawrence and Paul Spence, respectively), we find the heavy metal version of Bob-and Doug-McKenzie-meet-Wayne-and-Garth up to more asinine shenanigans. Evicted from their Calgary home, the duo head to northern Alberta in an effort to capitalize on Fort McMurray's burgeoning oil industry. Once there, affable Terry falls in love with a local waitress, while Dean struggles to injure himself just enough to collect worker's compensation. Following them through two months of fails and foibles, we see not only their anticipated buffoonery amplified but also fresh aspects of the cartoonish idiots we came to know and love in the first film. Moreover, with a stronger budget, solidified plot bolstered by improvisation and a general appreciation for their work, ideas are fully realized and the film is fundamentally stronger on all levels. Finally, amusing special features, including a vital, chuckle-filled in-character commentary, deleted scenes, a side-venture finding Terry and Dean vacationing together and more direct commentary with Dowse and his crew, maintain a surprisingly high level of quality for the DVD incarnation. While the film does peter out towards the end, with more than enough laughs, originality and cohesiveness at all other points, Fubar II isn't just worthwhile; it's a necessity for any self-respecting Great White banger.