Smile 2 First Reactions

Smile 2 First Reactions

As someone who grew up on a steady diet of psychological horror films, I can confidently say that the reactions to Parker Finn’s Smile 2 have me positively giddy with anticipation! The original film was a breath of fresh air in a genre often plagued by predictability and clichés, and based on the early buzz, it seems like the sequel is poised to continue that trend.


Initial responses to Parker Finn’s eagerly awaited sequel have started surfacing online, and based on early feedback, this psychological thriller could surpass its predecessor. Despite Smile 2 not hitting theaters for another week, critics are already praising the terror and visual effects, hinting at a bright future for the series.

In the continuation of last year’s blockbuster hit, “Smile 2”, actress Naomi Scott takes on the character Skye Riley, a rising pop star preparing for a global tour. Unexplained and chilling occurrences compel her to delve into her troubled past, or risk losing everything she has built. The infamous entity that thrives on trauma makes a powerful comeback, causing turmoil in an eclectic group of characters including Lukas Gage from “Euphoria”, Raúl Castillo from “Amexicano”, Dylan Galula from “Dream Scenario”, and Rosemarie Dewitt, who was part of the 2015 “Poltergeist” remake. Additionally, viewers will spot a familiar face in the movie, as Kyle Gallner reprises his role from the original “Smile”.

Even though formal critiques for “Smile 2” haven’t been released yet, there’s a buzz among critics on social media platforms like X (previously known as Twitter). Russ Milheim from The Direct calls it an “intensely nerve-wracking and unsettling experience,” praising its opening and final acts as intriguing previews of the franchise’s future. Rachel Shatto, host of More Deadly podcast, confessed to being rattled after watching it, describing it as a horror that exceeds expectations in every aspect – gruesome, relentless, and emotionally impactful. Lastly, Drew Taylor from The Wrap considers the film funnier, weirder, grander, and above all, scarier than the original, summarizing that “Parker Finn is the real deal.

What These Reactions Mean for the Future of the Smile Franchise

Sequels in Hollywood sometimes have a mixed track record, but it’s no wonder that the praise for “Smile 2” is so widespread given the remarkable success of the first film. The original “Smile,” to the surprise of Paramount Pictures, was an unprecedented hit – even managing to secure a theatrical release instead of its intended streaming debut. Additionally, the marketing strategies for “Smile” were unconventional, such as employing actors with eerie grins at MLB games who stared into cameras and wore shirts that read, “SMILE,” adding an ominous touch. These unique tactics, coupled with the film’s innovative and chilling concept, have set “Smile” apart from its peers. However, given such lofty expectations, what can we anticipate for future installments in the franchise?

Even though a third Smile movie might not be produced soon, franchise director Parker Finn has already infused unique aspects into the storyline that make Smile 2 just as captivating as its predecessor. Critics of Smile 2 have pointed out the dance sequences within the film due to its musical backdrop, with the soundtrack serving as an ingenious marketing tool to portray the movie differently in trailers and keep viewers intrigued. In summary, it appears that Finn continues to possess a wealth of creative ideas for the development of the Smile series.

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2024-10-12 23:33