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    How gory is it and why is it rated R?

    Vaseline Posted on

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    If your kids start grinning at a commercial for the horror sequel “Smile 2,” don’t worry too much, but perhaps exercise a little caution.

    Two years after “Smile” became a surprise Halloween hit, the supernatural sequel (in theaters Friday) comes with a plot that might intrigue a young fan of Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa: a pop sensation (played by “Aladdin” star Naomi Scott) is haunted by a contagious evil spirit that presents itself through creepily smiling people. Teens and tweens often embrace horror, and this film from writer/director Parker Finn added musical interest, but like the first film, ‘Smile 2’ is rated R and may not be for everyone. (Maybe not even some adult scaredy cats!)

    Here’s what parents of young horror fanatics – and franchise fans – need to know about “Smile 2”:

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    What is the horror sequel ‘Smile 2’ about?

    A year after her boyfriend died in a car accident and was seriously injured, mega-popular Skye Riley (Scott) makes a comeback with a world tour. Skye is now sober after being addicted to booze and alcohol, but with the pressure mounting and her back hurting, she contacts drug dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage) for a Vicodin hookup. He is the last to be visited by this evil and panics at seeing things and Skye witnesses the possessed Lewis commit suicide, leaving her haunted by the dark presence and putting a number on her tenuous hold on her sanity mind. Stressful situations, strange interactions with fans and a mental breakdown that distorts reality are the result.

    Why is ‘Smile 2’ rated R?

    The film is officially rated R for “strong, bloody, violent content, creepy images, language and drug use.” And it delivers results on all counts. There are several four-letter words used – including lots of shouted f-bombs – and lots of blood and gore.

    To wait. How bloody is ‘Smile 2’?

    It’s quite bloody. With “Terrifier 3” now in theaters, it’s all relative — for example, there are no chainsaw colonoscopies in “Smile 2.” However, there are some seriously disturbing things, like a man repeatedly grotesquely bashing his face in with a 35-pound weight plate. (Plus, he comes back again and again to remind us and Skye how gross that was.) There are also serious stabbings, spilled intestines, and bodies torn apart.

    But to its credit, the sequel actually leans more toward creating non-violent tension, well-executed jump scares, and a constant sense that more fear is just around the corner. And “Smile 2” weaponizes the grins more effectively than the first film, from a little fan girl and backup dancers chasing Skye to the pop star’s mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) and dead boyfriend (Ray Nicholson, whose smile is absolutely the best/ worst).

    Is the sequel to ‘Smile’ suitable for 12-year-olds?

    Probably depends on how much of a bloodhound your tween is. It’s honestly better for kids in their late teens (ages 15 to 18) because there’s no sex or nudity, but the violence and language are fairly ubiquitous. Being a pop star beloved by young people, ‘Smile 2’ appeals more to young music fans than, say, the similarly themed serial killer dad film ‘Trap’, so maybe if your kid and his friends are itching to go, sign up as a volunteer supervisor.

    So, is ‘Smile 2’ better than the original?

    You bet, in every way. Powered by a never-better Scott, the sequel offers an unnerving but thoughtful look at celebrity and trauma with Skye’s spiral into life, and is effective as a wonderfully unhinged horror film that refuses to let go of its protagonist and audience. While not an appropriate scary movie for small children, “Smile 2” could be a fun outing to the theater — or a future streaming showing on Paramount+ — for a parent and teen who both love and respect the genre.

    This article discusses a depiction of suicide. If you or someone you know needs mental health help and support, please call, text or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

    Vaseline
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