Maxxxine (4½ Stars)

"Maxxxine" is the third film in the X trilogy. Sort of. "X" took place in 1979 and introduced the young woman Maxine Minx who wanted to become a big star. Mia Goth played two roles, Maxine and the old woman Pearl. The second film, "Pearl", took place in 1918, a prequel about the previous life of Pearl herself. "Maxxxine" takes place in 1985 and continues Maxine's story, so it's really the second film.

I've been waiting anxiously for "Maxxxine" all year. "Pearl" was the best film of 2023 – argue if you like, but I won't change my mind – so I expected "Maxxxine" to be the best film of 2024. I'm disappointed to say that it doesn't live up to my expectations. Almost, but not quite. It doesn't have the subtlety of "Pearl", but I can see it was never the intention. "Pearl" takes place on a remote farm in Texas, whereas "Maxxxine" takes place in the big, brash city of Hollywood.

In the last six years Maxine Minx has found success in the porn industry. Naturally, that isn't enough for her. She wants the whole world to know her name, but porn stars are only known by a select few. Even people who watch porn films don't know the names of the naked bodies rolling around the screen. And don't forget, the year is 1985. The videotape porn industry was still in its early years. Maxine needs to go to Hollywood.

She's hired for the leading role in a horror film. Admittedly, very few horror films get worldwide attention, but it's a start on her ladder to stardom. She's thrown into a myriad of problems. People are being killed by Richard Ramirez, nicknamed the Night Stalker. Someone is killing Maxine's friends. There are mass protests against horror films (presumably started by the video-nasty-phobia) outside the studios. And to round it all off, a private detective is stalking her who knows about the farmhouse massacre in "X".

There are a lot of flashbacks to "X". Would they confuse anyone who hasn't seen the first film? I don't know.

I intend to watch "Maxxxine" again next week. I might revise my rating.