As a seasoned horror aficionado who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching the most terrifying films, I must say that “Smile 2” left me feeling more like a disgruntled ghost than a terrified spectator. The movie, to my disappointment, was not as chilling or inventive as it should have been.
In October 1982, Gary Larson’s “Far Side” cartoon took an unexpected turn in his career. The one-panel comic strip displayed a cow standing upright and gazing directly at the audience, positioned behind a table filled with homemade tools she had crafted. The caption read simply, “Cow Tools.” This humorous cartoon, especially that cow’s intense stare, became an instant hit. However, in 1982, readers were puzzled and eager to discover the hidden meaning in this comic strip. So many letters poured in to Larson and various newspapers seeking clarification that he felt compelled to write a statement explaining the comedic intention behind the cartoon.
As a dedicated gamer and fan, I must say that Larson never watered down “Cow Tools” in his subsequent Far Side comics. He didn’t try to dismiss this intriguingly odd character as merely a figment of someone’s imagination. Nor did he create cartoons that poked fun at “Cow Tools” in a self-deprecating way. Instead, Larson remained firm in his belief in his creation, disregarding any confusion it might cause among readers. This could have been seen as an opportunity for embarrassment, but instead, it showcased Larson’s unwavering creative resolve. He continued to produce cow-themed and bizarre comics, demonstrating a level of dedication that not all artists share. Sadly, not every piece of art maintains this commitment to the unusual. For instance, Smile 2 tends to undermine its most peculiar aspects. A touch of that “Cow Tools” magic could have elevated this horror sequel from merely chilling to truly divine.
Refer to musician Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, as a shining star in the music industry, similar to Kenny Chesney’s single. This celebrated pop artist has recently emerged after a year of rehabilitation following a tragic car accident involving cocaine, which claimed the life of her boyfriend and left her with severe back injuries. Battling addiction and ongoing pain, Riley is determined to initiate a tour akin to The Eras Tour. A visit to pick up Vicodin from an old friend named Lewis, unfortunately, takes an unexpectedly dark turn. In a shocking twist, Lewis ends his own life in front of Riley. Unaware of this, he unknowingly passes on the curse known as “The Monstrosity” (as the end credits of Smile 2 refer to it) to her.
For a period of seven days, this entity torments individuals psychologically, exploiting their self-doubts and vulnerabilities. Following this week, the Beast claims its victim, presenting the act to the world as a suicide. Unaware of the process detailed in the original Smile, Riley finds herself losing grip as she experiences visions of unexplainable events and smiling people that others cannot see. With time rapidly diminishing, Riley may be forced to resort to extreme measures based on advice from an enigmatic stranger named Morris (Peter Jacobson), who possesses crucial insights into The Beast.
In the making of filmmaker Parker Finn’s initial movie “Smile,” it was originally planned and filmed as a production for Paramount+. However, during post-production, the distribution plan took an unexpected turn, shifting towards cinema releases. On the other hand, the sequel to “Smile” (“Smile 2”) is a more expensive project specifically tailored for the big screen from its inception. Upon commencing work, Finn and cinematographer Charlie Sarroff seized the opportunity to explore grander visual elements, showcasing this through an extended single-take scene featuring Joel (Kyle Gallner), a character from “Smile,” on his last day tormented by The Monstrosity. This elaborate sequence sets the stage for the sequel’s broader scale and aspirations.
Despite the evolution in certain aspects, there’s still a familiar ring to it, much like its predecessor, “Smile 2” functions better as a witty dark comedy rather than a traditional horror film. The movie offers some grim humor that is quite amusing, such as Riley revisiting a text message thread filled with her own cutting remarks towards an old friend, only to type “Hi, how are you.” Miles Gutierrez-Riley’s portrayal of the ever-cheerful assistant, Riley, provides a humorous contrast against his intensely focused employer. Finn’s comedic style is reminiscent of visual gags from popular mid-2000s sitcoms, like an elderly lady being playfully knocked over in a fancy ballroom. However, one thing missing is the iconic “That’s What I Like About You” soundtrack drop!
October audiences visiting “Smile 2” are not seeking subtle theatrical film techniques or witty humor; instead, they’re eager for a good scare. Regrettably, the film only sporadically delivers on this promise. The most reliable source of shivers comes from its practical effects, particularly in depicting grisly physical injuries. However, Finn overuses jump scares, which leaves viewers feeling frustrated rather than scared. Additionally, the movie is excessively brightly lit, stripping away any sense of grotesquery that could have been achieved with more varied lighting. A darker, moodier atmosphere might have made the gory scenes even more unsettling.
In “Smile 2”, the main issue lies in its hesitancy to fully commit to its scares. The movie often undermines its intense, terrifying scenes by revealing they were mere dreams or illusions. Even when something seems genuinely frightening, it turns out to be insubstantial within a short period. This frequent resolution, where the scary events prove unreal, becomes glaringly obvious in an act dominated by rug-pulls. It’s challenging to engage with a horror film when it refuses to let its implausible elements significantly impact the storyline. Instead, these scenes seem more like temporary twists rather than lasting impacts on the plot.
Instead of saying “Smile 2” resembles groundbreaking films like “Lost Highway” and “Longlegs“, it might be more accurate to say that these movies, unlike “Smile 2“, delve fearlessly into the bizarre and unsettling without constantly providing explanations for their strange behavior or imagery. In these films, the extraordinary is commonplace, and horrific sights are not confined to the imagination. Instead, they immerse audiences in dreamlike realms that are nightmarish and uncanny. Conversely, “Smile 2” tends to clarify the source of its scares too quickly and occasionally uses witty remarks to lessen the impact of its scary moments. In comparison, Gary Larson was unafraid to court controversy with the humor in “Cow Tools“. Similarly, “Smile 2” lacks the same level of conviction when it comes to its most terrifying visuals.
The prologue of “Smile 2” stands out as its best part due to the absence of common flaws; it offers a direct dive into a dark, disordered world. In contrast, the rest of the film combines mediocre scares with uninspired observations on fame. Skye Riley’s portrayal of a troubled pop star doesn’t offer much innovation in cinema. To make matters worse, the songs sung by Riley aren’t particularly catchy. When compared to fictional 2024 pop singers like Lady Raven from “Trap,” Skye Riley falls short.
In the movie “Smile 2”, Naomi Scott stands out as she breathes life into Skye Riley. She immerses herself in this role skillfully, making her a delight to watch. Moreover, Scott demonstrates a strong dedication to portraying Riley’s most intense moments authentically. When the film requires her to emulate Mia Goth’s character, she delivers admirably. However, the movie itself shies away from fully embracing the absurd, while Scott remains faithful to her character’s madness. Regrettably, “Smile 2” falls short of its potential due to being an overlong sequel filled with generic scares and lacking in style. On the other hand, “Cow Tools” showcased a dedication to unique creativity. Unfortunately, unlike “Cow Tools”, “Smile 2” is unlikely to bring joy to its audience.
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2024-10-17 15:16