Smile 2 (2024)

Smile 2

• This is one of those rare horror sequels that I think is actually better than the original. I enjoyed the first one more, but I agree with the critics that this is better. I think it has a much stronger plot and has better scares. The psychological aspect is also really strong. I love how it studies drug use and trauma through Skye’s mind, opposed to the first movie, where it’s just trying to figure out what’s going on. In this one, you already know what’s happening, so you can study the character and mind instead of random smiling people. The writing was strong and it showed. The editing and transitions were absolutely great, and I love the use of graphic effects and jump scares. This movie upped its game from the first one in so many ways. The sound design was great and the acting was solid. Naomi Scott was phenomenal, and the easy standout. Everyone around here was alright, but she absolutely killed it. However, my biggest complaint is that I definitely got bored at times. The first act was awesome, and the third act was killer, but I think everything in between was slow and sometimes hard to sit through. It felt super long to me, a little longer than it should’ve. That’s the only reason why I didn’t like this as much as the first. But it was well made and deserves recognition. I’d recommend it to most horror fans, especially if you like the first one.