Say cheese! This October, there’s something to beam about, which is a horror sequel that eclipses its predecessor. That’s right, “Smile 2,” the follow-up to the surprising 2022 hit “Smile” is

The sequel also continues the film's intelligent exploration and depiction of suicidal depression. In Smile 2, issues of social and career expectations, the troubles of fame, and ideas of self-perception become more central. It all leads to a whopper of an ending that also acts as a perfect setup for another sequel.

Few entertainment assets are more valuable than a long-running horror franchise. Quite a few scary movies are made every year, and a decent amount of those spawn sequels. But a truly iconic character can carry a studio to horror nirvana,

"Smile 2" stars Naomi Scott as a pop star who gets infected with the demonic curse from the first film, resulting in a horrifying and funny trip.

Naomi Scott's performance as a pop-star diva grappling with demons, including her own, gives Parker Finn's sequel a genuine emotional center.

"Smile 2" is more bonkers than the first film, and it even has something interesting to say through those gritted-teeth grins.

Expanding lore is a key element in horror sequels, and it’s something that I pondered heavily going into my screening of writer/director Parker Finn’s Smile 2. Revisiting the original in the days before,

A pop star is put through an unholy nightmare that will make audiences go wild. No, Lady Gaga is not involved.