Smile 2 terrorizes the North American box office, taking the top spot with $23 million in opening weekend revenue. The sequel to the 2022 horror film surpasses its predecessor, offering viewers an even scarier and more captivating experience.
The sinister smile is back, and it’s more frightening than ever. Smile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 hit horror film, stormed the North American box office this weekend, proving that audiences are still hungry for chills and terror on the big screen.
With an estimated $23 million in revenue from its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada, Smile 2 easily claimed the number one spot at the box office. This impressive performance slightly exceeds that of the first film, which brought in $22.6 million when it launched in 2022. Globally, the film had an even more spectacular start, totaling $46 million, with an additional $23 million from international markets.
A Sequel That Delivers
Director Parker Finn, who was also at the helm of the first film, rose to the challenge of creating a sequel that lived up to expectations. With a production budget estimated between $28 and $30 million, an increase from the $17 million of the first film, the team was able to bring an even more ambitious and terrifying cinematic experience to life.
The story of Smile 2 follows the trials of Skye Riley, a pop star played by Naomi Scott, who finds herself cursed by the malevolent entity with a sinister smile. This new plot has captivated audiences while staying true to the oppressive atmosphere that made the first film a success.
Positive Critical and Public Reception
Critics have widely praised the sequel, giving it an impressive 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive consensus is shared by audiences, who also awarded the film an 83% rating on the same platform. Many critics did not hesitate to label “Smile 2” as one of the best horror films of the year, praising its terrifying atmosphere and stunning visual effects.
Audiences also seem to be pleased, as shown by the CinemaScore rating of B given by moviegoers. This rating, slightly higher than the B- earned by the first film, suggests that the sequel not only met fan expectations but also exceeded them.
A Success That Confirms a Trend
The triumph of Smile 2 at the box office is part of a larger trend of the success of horror films in recent years. Audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for intense and frightening cinematic experiences, and studios are responding to this demand with increasingly ambitious and innovative productions.
This success also demonstrates the ability of the “Smile” franchise to establish itself as a reference in the horror genre. By amplifying the elements that made the first film successful while introducing new ideas to surprise and scare viewers, Smile 2 has achieved the difficult feat of creating a sequel that surpasses the original.
As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be interesting to see how far its success will go and whether it will maintain its initial momentum. One thing is certain: the sinister smile of Smile 2 has left a lasting impression on both audiences and the box office, potentially paving the way for future sequels in this rising horror franchise.
With AFP
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