Shortly after the premiere of the first part in 2022, “Too Big for Fairy Tales” was hailed as the most watched Polish family film of the 21st century in cinemas. Then it was one of the most watched productions on Netflix, so it’s no wonder that the creators decided to make a second part. However, it is known that the sequel may not necessarily be as good as its predecessor. How is it this time? The bar was set high – during the premiere, some young viewers admitted that they became so attached to the characters and their story that they watched the first part several (dozen) times. My son is also one of them, saying it’s a great movie about growing up, so I was curious whether the further adventures of the characters would live up to his expectations.
“What a cringe!” But it’s a compliment
Phew! The creators can breathe a sigh of relief – it looks like they’ve succeeded again. Waldi, Delfina and Staszek once again face difficult issues, but thanks to the friendship and support of wise adults, they cope with them. This time, a team of teenagers are going to Zakopane, which looks spectacular on the screen, to visit the crazy aunt Mariola, together with Waldi’s mother and her new partner, who, thanks to the scriptwriters and Dorota Kolak’s role, became one of the favorite elements of the first part. When it turns out that the boy’s biological father lives nearby, he sets out with his friend to find a man he doesn’t even remember. On the way they will find, among others: crossing the cemetery and meeting a bear.
The screenwriter, Agnieszka Dąbrowska, combines a story about really difficult issues with lightness that appeals to many children and adults. Showing the story without moralizing or looking at it “in an adult way” is a challenge that I think she has mastered. What is impressive is the way the guys banter, then support each other in important moments, and then insult each other – anyone who has a teenager at home or has ever been one knows how it is. Let the comment of a ten-year-old be a compliment to the screenwriter as well, who, after another insult from Waldek’s mother’s new boyfriend, couldn’t stand it and whispered to me “but cringe” – because that’s what Piotr, played by Paweł Domagała, was supposed to be like. A guy who says “sure, you’re dead” and “eluwina” to his new partner’s son is synonymous with cringe.
And maybe also the fact that – knowing that I had already seen the production – my son asked me several times during the screening what would happen next, because he couldn’t wait to know.
You can be moved by “Too Big for Fairy Tales 2”.
A new hero is one thing, but “Too Big for Fairy Tales 2” is primarily about three young characters and actors. Maciej Karaś, Amelia Fijałkowska and Patryk Siemek create a harmonious trio that is a pleasure to watch. They are extremely natural and authentic – I have the impression that while in the first part the discovery was Karaś, now it is Siemek who shines on the screen. Adventure scenes and dialogues with the participation of these two young actors are definitely the strongest point of the film. The weakest one is Maciej Żurawski, who is not very convincing as the father whom the boys finally reach. There are also too many simplifications here, patterns and creators take shortcuts, as if they had no idea why the man left his family.
Maybe it had to be like that to contrast the artificial relationship between his father and Waldek with the real one between him and his mother (and others)? I admit that while watching the last minutes of the film, I was moved by what Waldek said. What’s this? You can check it out in cinemas – “Too Big for Fairy Tales” can be seen on screen from March 15.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
