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

The new film tackles a different story, as global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) experiences increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events during a world tour.

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

Reviews are similar to the first. On Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel currently has 55 reviews and scores 82% (6.7/10), compared to the first film’s 80% (6.6/10). On Metacritic it’s a similar story with a 65 for the sequel compared to the 68 for the first.

Here is an example of review quotes:

“Smile 2 is more of the same. Much more. But it’s just as scary, and this time it’s spicier and funnier, proving that the premise has legs and some malleability too. – William Bibbiani, The Cover

“More than anything, this sequel is proof of the endless versatility that could make the ‘Smile’ films a mainstay of the October box office for decades to come.” – Christian Zilko, Indiewire

“Still, there’s a lot to be said for a director so unencumbered by shyness, 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 rollercoaster ride as his first effort, but he gets the job done often enough to be a chart-topper.” – Nick Schager, The Daily Best

“The film is hardly subtle, yet Parker Finn has become a filmmaker smart enough to make reality feel like a hallucination and hallucinations feel like reality.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variation

“It’s not just the sequel’s razor-sharp and inventive gory horrors that surpass its predecessor, but an extremely complicated heroine that shapes the edgier style of horror.” – Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting

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

“Smile 2 has its daring moments, but as Finn’s script reveals unlikely plot twists, this sequel doesn’t provoke fear or smiles, but rather a shrug.” – Tim Grierson, Screen

“Smile 2 gets too bogged down by the trials and tribulations of the leading woman under the influence. By the end we are really ready to get off this ride.” – Pete Hammond, Deadline

The film opens in theaters Friday and is currently projecting a $20-25 million debut domestically — about on par with the original. Watch the recently released final trailer below.