Movie review: There's a good story lurking under 'Smile 2's' evil grin

There’s more to “Smile 2” than just another creepy grin.

It takes director Parker Finn a long time, however, to get the story to crack. As a result, we’re never quite sure where the evil spirits are headed.

Like M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap,” this digs into the life of a pop star. She’s back from a car accident and a meltdown that made fans eager for more – anything more – about that questionable personal life.

To get back on track, Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) visits an old classmate (Lukas Gage) who looks like he has dipped into the drugs he’s selling. In truth, he’s under the spell of some evil force. Rather than tell folks (like her mom-ager or best friend), Skye keeps it to herself and begins freaking out, particularly when fans turn up with that same demented smile.

Finn keeps the audience guessing about a connection but isn’t afraid to show violence in all its bloody glory. Faces deteriorate, bones stick out, folks die. From a gore standpoint, it’s brutal. But Skye’s demons aren’t necessarily obvious. Nor is she able to understand what might be causing them.

Finn succeeds with sound effects, dropping them in here and there just enough to make you think you’re a closed door away from a creepy smile.

Scott handles the paranoia well. A better film could have been made from this situation, had it not been part of the “Smile” franchise.

Moments with the audience are chilling; a flashback to her old boyfriend is just as unnerving as you’d think.

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

The force, though, moves some places and not others. When it comes down to an abandoned Pizza Hut and a hunch, “Smile 2” has overstayed its welcome. It’s like a better film was attached to a so-so horror one.

Scott dominates (and comes away with a fairly good performance). She handles the pop star pose well but, like the leading character in “Trap,” has this awful habit of going places alone. If Taylor Swift has taught us one thing, it’s never leave home without an entourage. That way, if there’s an evil force afoot, someone else could deal with the fallout (or help when you’re the target).

“Smile 2” looks darker than it should. Because this isn’t a horror film that requires dark basements and night visits, it could be tempting during daylight and get even more traction.

Best friend Gemma (Dylan Gelula) seems like a load; mom (Rosemarie DeWitt) is one step away from a bus-and-truck company of “Gypsy.”

Because they seem to be no help, she relies on an outsider who introduces the Pizza Hut subplot.

That raises questions but the film’s ending is one for the ages, particularly what it could mean for those who frequent concerts without evil forces repellant.

You'd think a smile should be shared. But not always.