Horror Movie Review: Tooth Fairy: Drill to Kill (2022)

When I first reviewed the terrible 2019 horror movie, Tooth Fairy (also known as Toof), I had no idea that a few years later, I would be writing a review for the fifth movie in this franchise. A fifth movie in four years.

Even more surprising is the fact that I saw this entry in the series and got excited. Partially, because I will give anything a chance, but mainly because the last entry, Tooth Fairy: Queen of Pain was a decent flick.

That came from the fact that it wasn’t just a sequel, but rather a reboot of the entire franchise. Changing the story and redesigning the villain of the piece, the killer tooth fairy.

Tooth Fairy
Return of the Tooth Fairy
Tooth Fairy: The Last Extraction
Tooth Fairy: Queen of Pain

This fifth entry, or second of the new series, continues on from where the previous one left off. Set two years after the school trip slaughter. The one survivor, Sammy (Paula Coiz) is finally ready to go back to work but the tooth fairy isn’t done with her just yet. Not only that, she has made appointments with some of Sammy’s colleagues. Who just happen to be staying late at the school the night their check-ups are due.

Once again, directed by Louisa Warren (with a screenplay by Ben Daly), Tooth Fairy: Drill to Kill is a slight step back for the franchise but is still notably better than the first three films. Mainly because this new version of the tooth fairy is so much creepier and so much more human (played well by Samantha Cull).

Where this entry reveals its cavities, is with its story. This was the film that should have started to explain a few things. The film to start delving deeper into the backstory of this killer and pushing a notable character to the front to be the hero of the story. After all, Tooth Fairy: Drill to Kill lifts so much from slashers in general, why not this too?

Instead, we get the returning character offed in the first quarter of the film, then a focus on a new set of characters for the killer to slash their way through. Which can be fun, and Tooth Fairy: Drill to Kill does have its moments. It’s just a shame that the bones of the story, and the tooth fairy in general, are so meat-free.

It seems as though, if you enjoyed the first three movies in this franchise, then you’re quite likely to dislike the fourth, and this fifth film. Whereas, if like me, you really didn’t like those movies, you’re likely to find these films more enjoyable.

This fifth entry (unlikely to be the last either) is not a high point for the franchise but it’s so far from the lowest point too. Roll on the next appointment!