Hold on to your hats, monster movie fans! The highly anticipated sequel to Netflix's 'Troll' has landed, and the critical reception is...well, let's just say it's sparking some serious debate. While some are hailing 'Troll 2' as a fun, larger-than-life adventure, others are calling it a disappointing step down from the original. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a case of sequel fatigue, or does 'Troll 2' genuinely miss the mark?
'Troll 2,' directed by Roar Uthaug and featuring Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, and Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, premiered on Netflix on December 1, 2025, continuing the saga of Norway's mythical giants. The film blends elements of Norse folklore with the spectacle of a large-scale monster movie, promising viewers a thrilling cinematic experience. But did it deliver on that promise?
The critics are certainly divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, 'Troll 2' is currently sporting a mixed bag of reviews. John Serba of Decider minced no words, declaring it "even more tedious and underwhelming than its mediocre predecessor." Ouch! Phil Hoad of The Guardian echoed this sentiment, criticizing the film's character development and weak attempts at humor. And this is the part most people miss: Jonathon Wilson from Ready Steady Cut raised a fundamental question, pondering whether viewers are even supposed to be rooting for the trolls! This is a crucial point – if the audience doesn't know who to support, the emotional stakes of the film are significantly diminished.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Rachael Harper of SciFiNow offered a much more positive take, praising the film as "ambitious, playful, and unapologetically giant-sized." Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com, while giving it a moderate 2/4 rating, acknowledged its lack of consistent action but still contributed to a "Fresh" rating overall. Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Mafia Talkies, despite labeling it as suffering from "sequelitis," conceded that it provides some welcome novelty within the monster movie subgenre. It appears that even those who enjoyed the film recognized some of its flaws. But does that make it a worthwhile watch?
And now for the numbers: 'Troll 2' currently holds a 58% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 reviews. The audience score is even lower, sitting at 39% based on 50+ ratings. In stark contrast, the original 'Troll' boasts a 90% Tomatometer score from 29 reviews and a 50% audience score from over 1,000 ratings. The disparity is undeniable. It's clear that 'Troll 2' hasn't resonated with critics or audiences in the same way as its predecessor.
Audience feedback further highlights the divided opinions. One viewer lamented that 'Troll 2' felt too similar to the original but noticeably worse. Another described it as a "huge letdown" and a frustrating experience. But here's where it gets interesting: other viewers championed the film, calling it a "really great sequel" and "well worth a watch." It seems that 'Troll 2' is a film that viewers either love or hate, with very little middle ground.
So, what's the verdict? Is 'Troll 2' a worthy successor to the original, or a disappointing misstep? The answer, it seems, is highly subjective. The film's blend of Norse mythology and monster movie elements may appeal to some, while its perceived lack of originality and weak character development may deter others. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy 'Troll 2' will likely depend on your personal preferences and expectations.
But here's a question for you: Do you think the negative reviews are justified? Is 'Troll 2' a victim of unrealistic expectations, or did it genuinely fail to live up to its potential? And perhaps more importantly, are we being too harsh on monster movies in general? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your opinions and spark a lively discussion.
