'Smile 2' Impresses Critics

         On October 18, 2024, Paramount Pictures released 'Smile 2', which has earned predominantly positive reviews, currently holding at 82% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, "With a nerve-jangling star turn by Naomi Scott at his disposal, writer-director Parker Finn broadens Smile's conceit into a pop stardom nightmare that'll leave a rictus grin on horror fans' faces." The ensemble cast includes Naomi Scott, Kyle Gallner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Ray Nicholson. Read the full review round-up below.

        Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer says, "A tour de force for Naomi Scott who gives a compelling and modern version of a Hitchcock Blonde. Writer/Director Parker Finn is equally impressive with his work behind the camera. Also the use of "celebrity" really elevates the film & makes it feel fresh."

       Jesse Hassenger of Paste Magazine was less impressed, stating, "Whenever Scott threatens to work the movie up into a proper frenzy, Finn stops her dead in her tracks, convinced that by dwelling on the vague idea of trauma, he’ll find something more to say about it." Adding, "The pop world is the perfect setting for Smile 2, Parker Finn’s follow-up to his unexpected Ring-ish horror smash from 2022. In that movie, the no-win rules of this demonic attachment were established: If you witness the death of someone momentarily possessed by this mostly-invisible demon with the telltale sign of a rictus grin, the curse jumps to you, causing reality-bending hallucinations until you, too, surrender to its quasi-suicidal whims, passing the curse along to a witness, and so the cycle perpetuates. Could this have something to do with the idea of… trauma?! If that seems like well-trod territory, just think of how those sorts of buzzwords get flattened and then reinflated by the “relatable” pop-industrial complex. Fake smiles, emerging from trauma, and stylized imagery are the currency of Skye Riley’s realm, which is rarified enough to take on a hallucinatory quality even without the aid of a demon. Are those fans silently grinning because they’re struck dumb by their love, or is it something more sinister? Is that a real stalker in her midst, or is her mind just spinning out from an uncomfortable earlier encounter? Finn must understand the hellish potential of it all; his movie has plenty of set pieces where characters frantically claw their way through a waking nightmare, starting from a bravura single-take opening sequence that’s half horror, half propulsive action with a doomy punchline."

       Carla Hay of Culture Mix writes, "As flashy as it is gory, Smile 2 is a rare sequel that's better than the original movie. Naomi Scott gives an impressive performance as a pop diva haunted by a sinister demon spirit. This movie improves from 2022’s Smile in almost every way."

Photo by Hannah Wernecke on Unsplash

       Joe George of Den of Geek notes, "Smile 2 might have the most uncomfortable scene in any movie this year, a notable feat given that Terrifier 3 is playing across the hall. Director Parker Finn throws the viewer in the middle of an argument between drug-addicted pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) and her movie star boyfriend (Ray Nicholson). As the two race down twisting California roads, their argument gets increasingly intense, each hurling cruel barbs at the other and neither showing any tenderness. Finn puts the camera right between the two combatants and whip pans from one to the other, forcing the audience to look at the closeup of the other person’s face as they mock their partner. The entire argument plays out in a single take, not ending until the car crashes, giving Skye the central trauma that will haunt her throughout the movie." Concluding, "Smile 2 is best when it commits itself to pure horror, and the film does have some great spooks and some gory deaths. Finn proves himself adept at crafting different types of scares, ranging from stomach-churning (or, rather, stomach-ripping) gross outs to sustained suspense, to good ol’ jump scares. In the best sequence of the film, a crowd of smiling fans invade Skye’s apartment, contorting themselves like demented dancers as they invade her space and attempt to claim their pound of flesh."

'Strange Darling' Reviews: "Strange Darling is one hell of a thrill ride"

Image Courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

        On August 23, 2024, Magenta Light Studios releases 'Strange Darling', which has received predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding fresh at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, "JT Mollner delivers a thrillingly unexpected and electric ride with two breakout performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner in Strange Darling." In the film, an unusual one night stand becomes a nightmare as a killer begins a murder spree. The ensemble cast includes Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey. But what did the critics say?

        Britt Hayes of The Mary Sue writes, "Strange Darling is one hell of a thrill ride. Mollner’s script is sharp and systematic, bolstered by a breathtaking performance from Fitzgerald, who absolutely tears into the role -- all the way down to the gristle and marrow." Adding, "In what could be considered one of Strange Darling‘s many subversions, Mollner almost seems to be guided by Fitzgerald’s performance rather than the other way around. Fitzgerald is nervy and entirely unself-conscious; you can see the machinery at work behind her eyes, yet she’s nearly impossible to read. Each chapter of the story adds another layer to the dynamic between Fitzgerald and Gallner, the latter of whom keeps his cards much closer to his chest. Though we’re anxiously awaiting the moment when he finally clamps his jaw around his prey, there is an uncertainty to Gallner as he attempts to negotiate this seeming one-night stand."

       Fred Topel of United Press International says, "One of those discoveries in which the surprise is imperative. So this review will attempt to celebrate it without spoiling it for future viewers." Concluding, "The opening credits also brag that Strange Darling was shot in 35mm film, a rarity in the digital age. As cinematographer, Giovanni Ribisi maintains a steady frame in which the action unfolds, full of vivid colors."

       Ed Travis of Cinapse notes, "There’s undeniable talent assembled behind and before the camera, putting you in good hands for the ride it’ll take you on. You’ll want to go into Strangle Darling knowing as little as you can, but you’ll most definitely want to go into Strange Darling."

        Kat Hughes of THN praises the film, stating, "A clever modern throwback to the Grindhouse era, Strange Darling manages to be seductive, sensual and unnerving simultaneously. Its unconventional structure enriches the story, making it one thriller too tantalising to pass by." Continuing, "Fitzgerald is mesmerising as Lady and this, coupled with an excellent turn in Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, is sure to see her career level up. Gallner remains as consistent as ever. Both in terms of his performance and ability to sniff out an exciting project. When placed in close proximity together the duo spark with an extended motel room scene almost setting the film on fire with how hard they commit to conjuring a specific mood. The scene in question teeters between erotic and disturbing, aggressive and playful, the constant sway keeping the viewer on edge, but also drawing them further in."