This is my diary of a wimpy kid.
For all the horror fans out there, this is a fantastic choice for any movie night. However, I am a wuss and I found it awful as a result.
Don’t get me wrong, the movie was brilliantly made. It had fantastic acting, top-notch visual effects and wonderful sound design. All of that combined makes for a spectacular experience that horror fans will love and people like me will be paranoid about for hours on end.
Taking place six days after the first movie, “Smile 2” picks up right where the first leaves off and starts with a brutal opening scene to draw viewers back into this psychotic universe.
This movie has lasting impacts. The night after watching the movie I could not sleep until my eyes would no longer stay open. I feel paranoid often, especially while walking alone or in moments of silence.
I missed class the next morning due to the lack of sleep. The next night was similarly problematic and the daytime is often not much better.
Like Skye Riley, the film’s protagonist (played by Naomi Scott), I am infected by some curse that haunts me for god knows how long and will not leave despite my best efforts.
Riley is a pop star set to make a triumphant return to the grand stage of stardom after a brutal car crash that kills her then-boyfriend and leaves her injured and traumatized. Her plans are derailed by some supernatural being that is out to torment her with increasingly terrifying illusions.
Not only does this movie keep with the eerie themes of the first film, but it also runs with them. This film was much more involved, building this universe into something unique. Despite how awful this movie has made me feel these past few days, I have to give credit where credit is due.
I watched the first “Smile” movie at home, but watching it in theaters is a completely different and more horrifying experience. The sound design of this film is consistently on point, with terrifying swells of music and sound juxtaposed by haunting silences to bring the viewer to the edge of their seat constantly.
Recently I have watched some bad horror movies, namely “Jeepers Creepers 2” and “Mr. Crocket” (I have another article about those two for those interested.) By claiming these movies were horror, I thought I finally conquered horror-phobia. Turns out they were just bad films and they cannot scare a child.
I was wrong. I am definitely not over this and this fear has only been solidified after this masterclass in scaring. Mike Wazowski and Sulley would be proud.
Therein lies the issue I have with this movie. This is a wonderfully done film with a great story, stunning acting and terrifying scares. I have to give it a 9/10. And yet, I hate it with a passion and wish I had never talked myself into going.
Objectively, it was a good movie and one I strongly recommend for any horror fan. But if you are like me and do not enjoy these films, it would be best to stay clear.
As a horror movie, the fact that it kept me awake means that it has accomplished its goal. As the poor sucker that can no longer sleep because of it, I wish it was a worse film. I’ll be sticking to “horror” movies like “Mr. Crocket” from now on.
DeGear can be reached at [email protected].
