Say cheese! This October, there’s something to beam about, which is a horror sequel that eclipses its predecessor. That’s right, “Smile 2,” the follow-up to the surprising 2022 hit “Smile” is bigger, gorier and even more bonkers than the first film, and it even has something interesting to say through those gritted-teeth grins.

The sophomore filmmaker still loves his jump scares, but "Smile 2" suggests that his horror series could have real legs as an ongoing anthology of character studies.

Naomi Scott's performance as a pop-star diva grappling with demons, including her own, gives Parker Finn's sequel a genuine emotional center.

"Smile 2" is more bonkers than the first film, and it even has something interesting to say through those gritted-teeth grins.

Expanding lore is a key element in horror sequels, and it’s something that I pondered heavily going into my screening of writer/director Parker Finn’s Smile 2. Revisiting the original in the days before,

A pop star is put through an unholy nightmare that will make audiences go wild. No, Lady Gaga is not involved.