Alira Cohen

I saw this movie on the big screen last night with my boyfriend. I really like horror content of all types (books, films, videos, etc.), and I’m a big fan of the first Smile. Not only is Smile 2 a worthy sequel, but it actively expands upon and raises the stakes established in the original. I mean, using a pop star character in association with the smile curse is brilliant due to the stress the character faces in her day to day life and the fact that she is admired and viewed by so many people. Good characters (Naomi Scott is AMAZING as Skye Riley, and Lukas Gage absolutely kills it in his performance as Lewis, though his stay is brief…these are standouts, but I thought all the performances were wonderful), great gore, and an ending that is sure to leave horror fans with their jaws on the floor. The outfits designed for the character of Skye are drop-dead gorgeous and add a lot to the aesthetic of the movie. Even more so, the choreography for the dance scenes (and one particularly bone-chilling demon scene…no spoilers!) is highly impressive. The demon’s motivation is clearer than ever here, and we get more insight into its personality…which I know sounds funny to say about an entity like this, but hopefully if you decide to watch the movie you’ll get what I mean. I also like that this film continues to keep the creature’s origins mysterious. The movie is definitely not perfect—there are some effects shots that look not-so-polished (one very important shot at the end that looks pretty awful but they might polish it after the movie’s stay in theaters), and moments in the film that I felt I was becoming bored with the non-stop slap-you-in-the-face horror. That being said, in the same breath I can very much appreciate how this movie is like a roller coaster ride, and once the messed up stuff gets started it doesn’t give you a break. Even in those brief moments where I became bored with the gimmick, I admit that the film was able to very quickly pull me back in by escalating the horror in interesting ways that subverted my expectations. There were even some funny moments, which I wasn’t expecting; a lot of dry humor. I’d say that in a time where horror content is hit or miss, this movie hits, and I definitely recommend it for any gorehounds and horror nerds out there, or even if you’re just someone who loves cinema and can handle gross stuff. Great viewing for Halloween!