“Smile 2” (now in theaters) is bigger, bloodier and arguably better than its predecessor. It’s also certainly scarier than its primary spooky season box office competition “Terrifier 3.”

Writer/director Parker Finn returns for “Smile 2” and he and his crew (especially returning cinematographer Charlie Sarroff and returning editor Elliot Greenberg) do another admirable job. This thing’s slickly shot and cut and is a jump scare factory. I must also shout-out production designer Lester Cohen, art director Larry W. Brown and the set dec department. There are lots of little details here that I glommed onto and was highly amused by. Lewis’ apartment is so appropriately douchey (I especially enjoyed the framed display of neon Uzi water pistols) and there are instances of graffiti that had me rolling (having the booth Skye sits in say, “You’re fucked,” directly beside her is on-the-nose, but also too funny).

I must also single out the performance of Naomi Scott. She looks incredible and acts incredibly. She makes an unsympathetic character sympathetic and goes to great physical lengths to sell Skye’s predicament. She also does all of her own singing and it’s pretty damned impressive (I’ve been listening to “Smile 2: The Skye Riley EP” on Spotify while writing this review and would recommend y’all check it out). Scott’s already been a Power Ranger, Princess Jasmine and a Charlie’s Angel – on the basis of her work here she’ll be a whole helluva lot of other things before it’s all said and done.

“Smile 2” is equal parts VOSS water commercial (the product placement actually makes narrative sense and Scott chugs these bottles like a champ) and parable about the downfalls of substance abuse. Most importantly, it’s a fun and freaky time at the movies.

Please read full review here: filmyap.substack.com/p/smile-2.