“Smile 2,” stream “Woman of the Hour” on Netflix

At the beginning of October, Joaquin Phoenix's Joker clown face returned to cinemas, a week ago Art the Clown wore an eerie rictus that reached box office gold, and now another “Smile” is giving us goosebumps. “Smile 2” features the return of an evil presence that terrifies its victims – and viewers – with the scariest smiling people imaginable. Those in need of a good popcorn flick should check this out, although Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, the Netflix thriller “Woman of the Hour” or the “Young Sheldon” spinoff “Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage” may be more your cup of tea .

Now for the good stuff:

Watch the horror sequel “Smile 2” in the theater (if you’re not a small child)

The first “Smile” was a hit in 2022, but I was kind of mediocre about it. (“Truth or Dare” made the evil grin better.) But the sequel? Now The is a good horror film with much better scares and an effective emotional story of a pop star (excellently played by Naomi Scott) who is already dealing with the stress of touring and past traumas before a dark presence attaches itself to him. Because of its musical focus – and the fact that horror always appeals to children – “Smile 2” will appeal to a young fan base, and I've put together a guide to what parents need to know about the film. Because it's sufficiently bloody.

Not everyone, even adults, is into rampant dismemberment and blood and guts scattered everywhere. I've put together a roundup of horror movies for people who don't like horror movies and some fun starter outings for the kids so everyone can get in the Halloween spirit.

Stream Anna Kendrick's Netflix directorial debut 'Woman of the Hour'

We know she can act — the first Pitch Perfect is still playing, fam — but Anna Kendrick also proves herself to be a solid filmmaker with her confident debut, Woman of the Hour (streaming on Netflix now). Set in the 1970s, the thriller follows an aspiring actress (Kendrick) who is hired as a contestant on “The Dating Game,” a serial killer (Daniel Zovatto) who becomes one of her potential bachelors, and the viewer (Nicolette Robinson). . recognizes him from her past.