JDR Revival

First and foremost: JDR is probably the most controversial film to ever be released in terms of audience reaction, so split that in many minds it is either gutchurningly magical or a laboured and unncessary PAM stepping on all too familiar territory. That said, while Revival works to outdo Revolutions, something consistently holds the film back from being truly wonderous, leaving it on a note unsure of itself and therefore lost in a sea of confusion as to where to take the narrative next.
The blend of old-school and modern methods gave Revolutions a spinout quality that undoubtedly added to its success. Adding voices (and experience on Dan's part) gives the sequel a spit-shine but often falls flat of inspiring. In much the same way as a middle-aged mexican has recently crafted a shiny new paint job to the second sequel heralding the antics of a certain boy wizard, Martin plays on what made Revolutions feel somewhat dated and ill-placed and not only pokes fun but improves on it this time around. What JDR2 fails to do sadly is improve elsewhere where there was so much room to do so. A tightly written script, some nicely fleshed out characters and some more evenly shaped directorial methods would have solved some of these problems excusing a few others. But seemingly and surprisingly what Revival lacks in distinct character and plot driven motivation to invest in what's going on, it makes up for with some nicely placed narrative explanation coupled with some well established if not always well-timed humour.
Everything is in its place for the second outing: more laughs, more action, an interesting plot (but sadly not without some seriously hefty plot-holes) and more time to breath. What Revival seems to really take pride in is that not so much time is spent on developing a plot as such, but more to sustain an intriguing premise. Unfortunately characters' actions never really seem to reinforce their objective to save the world and once more we are left without a clue as to why precisely Boundless Ben is up to no good. Heres' hoping the third film may clear everything up neatly in a satisfying way and not in Wachowski mode.
This is not to say JDR Revival is a bad film. Indeed, its crammed full of so many good ideas that you have to wonder how it all fit in. The concepts of the chemicals are all very neat, the HM Character had curves in all the right places and the ending is a blast providing you have some half decent insight into the community and perhaps looking deeper Dan is making a comment on the community's critical understanding of movies. Such a shame that nothing seems to back up this notion and Revival simply is left with a superior ending rather than any alterior motive behind it.
JDR's a good film in the right light. Look hard and you can see the good things. But you don't have to look hard to see that potential is thrown out the window on a few occassions and rushed jobs excuse further use of these ideas. A superior sequel if only for greasing the wheels and a shiny new paintjob, comparing Revival to your taste in marmite seems to apply quite well: you either love it or loathe it.