The “Smile 2” reviews are here

Reviews are in for Parker Finn's “Smile 2,” the upcoming sequel to his 2022 supernatural thriller that became a surprise hit, grossing $217 million worldwide on a $17 million budget.

The new film deals with a different story: While on a world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) experiences increasingly horrific and inexplicable events.

Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and pressures of fame, Skye is forced to confront her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.

Kyle Gallner reprises his role as Joel from the first film, while Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage and Raúl Castillo. Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Dylan Gelula and Ray Nicholson star.

The reviews correspond to the first ones and are equivalent to them. On Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel currently has 55 reviews and sits at 82% (6.7/10), compared to the first film's 80% (6.6/10). It's a similar story on Metacritic, with a 65 for the sequel compared to 68 for the first.

Here you will find a selection of review quotes:

“Smile 2 is more of that. Much more. But it's just as scary, and this time it's livelier and funnier, proving that the premise holds up and also has a certain malleability.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap

“More than anything, this sequel is a testament to the endless versatility that could make “Smile” films an October box office hit for decades to come.” – Christian Zilko, Indiewire

“Still, there's a lot to be said for a director so devoid of coyness, and the sequel will have many horror fans grinning from ear to ear.” – David Rooney, THR

“(Finn's) second feature may not be as consistent a roller coaster ride as his first film, but it gets the job done often enough to be a chart-topper.” – Nick Schager, The Daily Best

“The film is hardly subtle, but Parker Finn has become a clever filmmaker who manages to make reality seem like a hallucination and hallucinations like reality.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety

“It's not just the sequel's razor-sharp and imaginative bloody horrors that surpass its predecessor, but also a deeply complicated heroine that defines the edgier style of horror.” – Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting

“Writer/director Parker Finn deftly overcomes the curse of the sophomore year and delivers a sequel that stays true to the original inspiration while also having a new, significantly larger story to tell.” – Michael Gingold, Rue Morgue Magazine

“Smile 2 has its daring moments, but as Finn's script reveals implausible plot twists, this sequel inspires neither fear nor smiles, but rather shrugs.” – Tim Grierson, screen

“Smile 2 gets too bogged down in the strains of its leading actress under the influence of alcohol. In the end, we are truly ready to end this ride.” – Pete Hammond, Deadline

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday and is currently estimated to debut between $20 million and $25 million domestically – about on par with the original. Check out the recently released final trailer below.