Karan Gagrani – Google

**Review of *Smile 2* (2024)** *Smile 2* is a prime example of a sequel that fails to capture the unsettling charm of its predecessor, and instead, serves up a lackluster, predictable horror experience. Where the first *Smile* played with psychological horror and eerie tension, this sequel opts for a more formulaic approach, relying on jump scares, underdeveloped characters, and a storyline that feels recycled and tired. The film picks up where the original left off, but quickly loses its way. The premise, revolving around a new batch of victims cursed by the sinister smile, feels like a retread of the first movie without adding anything fresh or meaningful. The central "horror" — a smile that drives people to madness — is stretched thin and becomes more laughable than terrifying. Instead of building on the unsettling dread of the first film, *Smile 2* falls into the trap of over-explanation, giving us endless monologues about the curse and its origins, completely removing the mystery that made the original effective. The performances don’t help matters. The characters are so paper-thin that you struggle to care about their fate. The lead, though talented, feels entirely wasted in a role that requires little more than wide-eyed panic. The supporting cast is equally forgettable, with dialogue so clunky it feels like it was lifted straight from a first draft. And then there are the scares. Instead of creating real tension or atmosphere, the film leans heavily on loud noises, quick cuts, and visual shock value. Every “scary” moment is telegraphed from a mile away, and the result is an endless parade of jump scares that lose all impact after the first few. The worst part? It just doesn’t know when to stop. What could have been a tight, 90-minute thriller is instead stretched out into a bloated 2-hour slog. There are entire subplots that go nowhere, and by the time the film reaches its climax, you're too disengaged to care about the payoff. In the end, *Smile 2* feels like a cash grab, trying to capitalize on the success of the first film without understanding what made it work. If you’re looking for genuine horror or something original, look elsewhere. This sequel offers little more than cheap thrills and wasted potential.