Smile 2- Parker Finn Makes A Sequel That Improves On His Original Concept
Quick Take: If I had made a list of films I wasn’t looking forward to in 2024, Smile 2 would have made that list. I thought the first was overrated, just a reinterpretation of It Follows, and full of cheap jump scares. As I write this, I know I’ve done a video of my Top 10 horror films of 2024, and it was a great year. Smile 2 made the top 10. I would have never guessed it.
Parker Finn grows up a little, and his jump scares are more purposeful, less totally random, and the movie is much smarter as a result. there were twists I didn’t expect, and Naomi Scott is incredible. For the sequel, we follow a pop star struggling with addiction, who gets pulled into the creepy smile madness, and she’s already losing her damn mind, so her grip on reality is totally shattered. This film would not work without Scott, who sang for us in the live action Aladdin, and makes a great pop icon here. Her backstory, and the ensemble around her really support the mood, and some of the horror moments are so well described, and chilling. Parker Finn made a better sequel in every single way. Of course, the first was intended for Paramount Plus, but this knew it was going to theatres. I would totally watch a third film, especially if it can have another exceptional audio description track. for more, check out my video.
