Smile 2 opens with a phenomenal, heart pounding sequence and concludes with a jaw dropping showstopper of a finale. Everything in between can’t help feeling like a retread of the first movie, although that’s not entirely a bad thing.
Picking up shortly after the events of the first film, this sequel hits the ground running with one of the best opening scenes of the year. An exceptionally well orchestrated long take that had me on the edge of my seat, everything about it felt bigger and bolder than the first Smile. From there, we are introduced to our protagonist, Skye Riley - a pop icon with a troubled past. Being centred around a celebrity is a refreshing angle, but the plot hits so many of the exact same beats as the first movie, making it feel kind of stale.
If you’re looking for some good old fashioned jump scares, this movie’s got you covered. Most aren’t super creative, but they don’t feel cheap either. The practical and visual effects are greatly improved, giving us some absolutely gnarly moments that don’t hold back. As with the first film, the direction, score and cinematography are quite impressive, elevating the production value above what you’d typically expect from this type of horror. There are a few too many fake-outs, however, that undermine a lot of what the movie does well. I appreciate a good reveal or twist, but they aren’t all executed well here.
I’ve seen some of Naomi Scott’s work, but until now I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a fan. This movie changes that, with an easy career best performance from the young actress. Not only is she believable as a pop sensation, but she carries Skye’s history of trauma and substance abuse in a way that allows her to feel grounded. Scott expertly captures the crushing feeling of isolation and paranoia, as Skye’s reality crumbles around her.
Smile 2 can’t shake the familiarity of the first movie, leading to an often stale rehash of something we’ve already seen. Still, this sequel is well built, offering fun jump scares, gruesome moments and a sensational turn from Naomi Scott. I didn’t leave the theatre smiling, but it was decent enough to evoke a slight smirk.
3/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett