fxdx4

The first 'shtick' movie that made waves was Bird Box, and the best is still probably 'A Quiet Place'. I enjoy these focused horror. We can't take, we can't see, we can't smell! So, when "Smile" came out, I watched and enjoyed the film.

And when I saw that there was a sequel, I really could not understand why, 'Smile' was fine enough. Well acted and had some depth in the psychological horror, but ultimately, I could not remember much about it.

So, we have generic horror movie, now with a sequel, so 'no' I was not excited to see Smile 2.

Boy was I wrong to judge so easy. Naomi Scott is absolutely fantastic as a Miley Cyrus clone. Her depth of acting and fantastic facial reactions are worth the watch alone!

The film follows closely after the first. This time famous singer Skye is infected with the 'smile'. As she spirals into the film, Scott is able to show the horror of her life and those around her even before she gets infected.

The movie isn't original, but bigger without being bloated. The director clearly hasn't just taken the money and run, and the long set up hold our attention with the help of strong script and Scott.

Few horror sequels can improve upon the original in almost every way without being a simple remake. If there is a criticism, it might be that the movie plot line has nothing new to offer, but in the end, we are looking for a 'shtick' horror done well.

Enjoyable and moments of really creep!

Bravo.

Westerns are a small genre - add in the sub genre and the list gets real small. With that said, this is the best Western/Horror in the business.

The plot itself is pretty plain. A town it attacked by a group of Troglodytes. It is made very clear these are NOT indigenous/first nations/ natives. Troglodytes. And with that Social Justice awkwardness out of the way, Kurt Russell and Patrick Wilson must lead a small team to go and save the girl.

And in the journey is where the movie shines. The characters are very strong, with good writing, strong interactions and interesting dynamics. These are not hardened warriors, but regular townsfolk who don't agree on how and what this looks like. They are complex, engaging characters who have different perspectives on human nature and the world around them.

Richard Jenkins steals the show as the 'old man' (note that he is only 4 years older than Kurt Russell!), but the whole cast is very strong, and they play off each other very well. Sid Haig, in a small role, looks like he was pulled strait from the 1880s.

All the actors bring substance to what probably should be a generic action western.

The gore and action isn't prominent, but satisfying when it finally comes. There is a small controversial scene near the end of the film that has taken up a lot of oxygen, but the scene itself contributes nothing to the plot and was probably not needed. Just be aware that some do find it disturbing.

Overall, this film shows that good writing and acting can make simple stories shine. If you are in the mood for a well acted Horror/Western, well you have already seen this! If not, watch it. If you have, it's gonna be much better than anything else you haven't seen, so watch it again.

8/10.

I would like to give credit to the movie studio that 'ok'ed this film. We as an audience are constantly asking for things we don't really want. Original stories, unique plot, scenes that push us - there are all things we ask for but don't really want. This studio (albeit with the budget from the waiting room couch), gives us what we want. And, unfortunately, I don't really want it.

The plot loosely revolves around two teenagers on the fringe of society that bond around a (Buffy clone?) tv show from the mid 95s. While this show is billed as a horror/drama, it lists heavily to the drama. Here is where the actors and writer are able to flex their creative energy. Without the constraints on much to actually do, they are able to address numerous issues in a very real way. Concepts maybe more than issues to be fair, but they tread on despair, the self, sexuality, consumption and family.

At some point the movie does end, but why it picked when it does isn't very clear. Add in time jumps, shaky use of the secondary characters and not much plot, it's hard to figure out what to make of this.

I give credit to the actors, director and producers who made this film. These films are important, and interesting. Crash tests for the industry. Unfortunately, the dumbies usually don't survive to see the fruits of their labour.

Unique, original, a couple of genuinely creepy moments. Overall, the movie just can't make this interesting enough to enjoy.

5/10.