As we’re firmly in spooky season, there’s been a lot of horror doing the rounds lately, and Smile 2 isn’t a bad sequel to the original, which had its terrestrial TV premiere last weekend.
It boasts a superb central performance from Naomi Scott as pop star Skye Riley, who witnesses a terrible death, thus taking on a malevolent spirit intent on her destruction. The timing is poignant after the tragic death of Liam Payne, as it shows the ugly side of fame.
Some of the most chilling moments are not the goriest bits, and Ray Nicholson’s creepy smile as Skye stands on stage attempting to read a stuck auto cue springs to mind (Ray is the son of Jack, and his smile conjures up Shining vibes!).
The sound is ramped up to the max, and there are a few good jump scares not signposted in the trailer which made me shout out in surprise. This is probably the reason Mrs C never accompanies me to watch horror films, thinking about it.
It felt on a bigger scale than the first Smile, but the scene in a deep freeze unit at an abandoned Pizza Hut restaurant off the highway was a little surplus to requirements, and could have shaved a good 15 minutes off the running time.
Still, without giving anything away, the ending sets things up nicely for a third Smile, and given this one has performed pretty well, you wouldn’t bet against it happening. It’s mass appeal horror for Halloween (more so than the superior but arthouse Substance), and there are some moments that will stay in your mind for a while afterwards, especially if you work out at the gym or drink bottled water.
Also this week, The Apprentice made it to cinemas after a protracted legal battle in the States. Sebastian Stan plays a young Donald Trump, determined to trample over anyone in his way as he oversees the construction of Trump Tower and shows he’s willing to do anything for success (except perhaps drink vodka, which doesn’t go very well for him).
It’s a solid portrayal, and Stan has the mannerisms down to a fine art. Seeing the real Trump serving up fries in a McDonald’s restaurant this week really reminded me of some of the scenes in this film, but I doubt it will change the minds of his supporters, who will no doubt perceive it as a witchhunt.
And The Wild Robot is mesmerising, thoughtful, beautifully animated, gentle, and one of the best animations I’ve watched in years. As critic Mark Kermode says, “it’s got lots of lovely life lessons”, and I don’t mind admitting I shed a few tears.
It’s ultimately about the power of kindness, but delivered in a really clever story about a robot which ends up raising a gosling on a remote island, whilst trying to communicate with the variety of animals who live there.
It’s life-affirming stuff, and should do really well over the half-term holidays. Go and see it!
Alex Cann Film Column - 26th March 2025
Alex Cann's weekly film blog - 9th January
