I wasn’t much of a “Smile” fan to begin with, so it was a pleasant enough surprise to be semi-taken by the sequel, “Smile 2,” which ups the ante with a bigger budget and more creatively inspired choices. The middle section is a tad weak, but again, I didn’t have the highest of expectations to begin with.
The review embargo has lifted and “Smile 2” is getting decent enough reviews from critics. It currently stands at 64 on Metacritic, this is slightly lower compared to the original film which had a 68 MC score. Still, I believe the sequel is bigger and better, and much more ambitious.
Parker Finn’s sequel centers on a pop star, Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), who begins experiencing terrifying and inexplicable events. Some of the set pieces, concocted by director Parker Finn, are feverishly well done. Those creepy smiles are back. The momentum just keeps growing as the film goes along and the climax just goes into total madness. “Smile 3” is now an inevitability.
Some of the film is convoluted, again I point you back to the weak middle section, but Finn is a talented visual filmmaker, and he raises the stakes here, especially given the somewhat illogical screenplay. I wouldn’t even call the film “scary,” it’s more tense than anything else.
“Smile” (2022) had a budget of $17M and somehow managed to gross $217M worldwide. It’s clear the budget for “Smile 2” was much higher than $17M, and we’re still not entirely sure if it’ll become a success as its tracking numbers currently indicate a $20M+ opening this weekend.
Finn is now a much sought after filmmaker. Earlier in the year it was revealed that Finn would direct a remake of the 1981 film “Possession” with Robert Pattinson potentially set to the star. Meetings to acquire the project, between some top-notch studios, including A24, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros, took place. Paramount, who own “Smile,” won out.
“Smile 2” is set to arrive in theaters this Friday, October 18. You can watch the latest trailer, which was released today via Paramount Pictures.
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.