‘Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2’ Review: Is The Sequel Worse or Better?

Back in May 2022, Dread Central set tongues wagging with news of a mysterious horror flick titled ‘Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood And Honey,’ tapping into A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s character, now in the public domain.

Fast forward less than two years, and its sequel, ‘Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood And Honey 2,’ is poised to hit cinemas. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and co-writer Matt Leslie return, this time with a pumped-up budget for a bloodier, stranger and overall grander film that surpasses its predecessor.

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While ‘Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood And Honey 2’ may not clinch the title of a masterpiece, it’s undeniably a riotous ride, particularly when it embraces its campy essence. Set after the 100-acre Massacre, the film follows Christopher Robin (now played by Scott Chambers), wrongly accused as the crazed serial killer. As he grapples with the fallout, Pooh, Piglet, Owl and Tigger wreak havoc on Ashdown in a quest for revenge.

Frake-Waterfield and Leslie aim to steer clear of the typical slasher tropes, opting instead for a darker exploration of Pooh and friends’ origins intertwined with Christopher Robin’s traumatic past. Despite a commendable attempt at infusing depth, the narrative occasionally veers into melodrama before careening back to a gory spectacle.

Yet, let’s face it – many viewers tune in for kills by their favourite storybook characters. Frake-Waterfield capitalises on this with revamped, more menacing appearances for Pooh and Piglet, shedding the cheesy facades for grotesque, hate-filled incarnations. However, the film’s darker visuals are marred by inadequate lighting, hindering the full appreciation of the intricate designs and bloody details.

Nevertheless, ‘Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood And Honey 2’ deserves applause for its commitment to evolving the franchise. Despite its imperfections, it’s a perfect choice for a Friday night horror binge, striking a fine balance between camp and narrative depth. While the idea of a ‘Poohniverse’ may still raise eyebrows, this sequel proves there’s more to these iconic characters than meets the eye.