Smile 2

It's amazing what some good trailers and a neat premise can do. 

I'd previously skipped the Smile franchise when the original came out several years ago. I assumed it would be mediocre and forgettable, despite the memorable marketing campaign. However, upon seeing the trailers up the ante for Smile 2...a pop star is now the victim?...I realized I was interested. 

While I didn't ever formally review it, I did catch up with Smile a couple months ago. Much to my surprise, it was an above average, decently R-rated mental terror that I enjoyed. It was surprisingly well made; I'd probably give it a 7 (how's that for a Rapid Review?). 

Smile 2 is a smart sequel. Sure, it shares many of the same beats, but it doubles down considerably while putting the talented Naomi Scott front and center for nearly the whole film. As much as this is a horror film, it's also an insanely impressive showing for her too.

My only gripe with Smile 2, and truly the only thing holding it back from a "Wow-you-liked-it-that-much?" rating, is that it's 20 minutes too long, and you feel it. The middle begins to feel repetitive and meandering and it's a 127 minute film that I don't think should have been a minute over 110 (ok so shave off 17 minutes to be specific). That may seem like small potatoes, but I was surprised to see it was only 127 minutes when it can feel more like 140 at times. Math aside, the premise remains the same: it's a bit too long and repetitive for its own good. I mean, good God, how many times do we need to see Skye (Naomi Scott) chug an entire VOSS bottle? It's impressive, but - not exaggerating - happens at least 4 times. 

Aside from the pacing and length, I enjoyed the hell out of Smile 2. It has a fantastic balance of [cheap] jump scares, mental/psycho horror (Skye really goes through it), and gore. All three feel increased and more prevalent than the original so if you're looking for a haunting, eerie, and unsettling time at the movies this spooky season, Smile 2 is a really good bet. Also improved from the original is its core star and I mean that as a compliment to Scott and not a knock on Sosie Bacon (Rose from the original). Scott is just so enigmatic and holds such a screen presence as Skye Riley, that it's entirely believable how crazy she's going. The entire premise of it being a pop star who's affected by this curse adds a new layer of complexity to everything, while making it "bigger" in general. Skye as a character is deeply flawed, making her motivations clear and compelling throughout. My only complaint here is: I kinda wish there had been more of her music! What's here is quite good, even if it's short, and it's definitely better than the recent "musical" we got.

Similar to the original - also directed by Parker Finn - this is a well made film. The cinematography is often impressive and eerie (I absolutely love the upside down vista shots), the editing and sound is fantastic, and there are moments where choreography of the horror becomes a thing, and it's similarly impressive. A handful of special effects left me wanting, but otherwise Finn is a talented filmmaker and storyteller in this space (he also wrote it). 

Once we arrive at the end of Smile 2, basically with back to back twists, I was left truly impressed and excited for where this franchise could go because the ending is...well I'll let you see it for yourself. It's worth circling back on my personal journey here because now I'm a fan of this series, eager for the inevitable Smile 3, all because of some well-cut trailers, and a great premise to a franchise I'd completely skipped before. Nicely done Paramount Pictures!

Rapid Rath's Review Score | 8/10