Is ‘Smile 2‘ Actually That Scary? A Look into its 16+ Ban
Ah, the cinematic delight that is horror! The thrill, the chills, and let’s not forget—occasionally, the ridiculousness! Now, after the unexpected triumph of the horror flick ‘Smile’, we now await with bated breath, the sequel *Smile 2*. But who knew that stepping out of the cinema after seeing it would require me to check my kid’s age to see if they can join? *Smile 2* is rolling into France with a shiny new ‘no minors under 16’ sign, flashing like a big neon ‘CAUTION!’ sign at a haunted house. But why the new restrictions?
The Return of the Grinning Terror
So, here we are again! It’s been two long years since the first film made us all wonder if our smiles are just a cover for a deep-rooted insanity. It was surprisingly successful, and of course, after making a boatload of cash, the brilliant Parker Finn has waltzed back with *Smile 2*. This time the narrative focuses on a pop singer (played by the talented Naomi Scott) who, let’s face it, is likely to face more drama than a season finale of a reality show.
Now, the original *Smile* came with a ‘12 and up’ label, but why has the sequel cranked up the age restriction? It seems the good folks at the National Center for Cinema and Animated Images (CNC) got a little squeamish this time around. In their delightful wording, they stated, “the film multiplies the bloody scenes without giving the viewer any respite.” It sounds less like a movie recommendation and more like a warning from your mum about your wild night out!
Slice & Dice: But is it Worth the Hype?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—*Smile 2* is an ambitious sequel. The opening scene is so impressive it might just give you a slight neck cramp from looking around in awe. But, it sounds like they’ve upped the ante on the gore a bit. We’ve been promised intense scenes, and from what the insiders hint, there’s a bloodbath worthy of a medieval joust—a hotel room transformed into a crime scene that would make even a seasoned horror buff gag. Oh joy! And yet, this is all within the grand tradition of horror films where we chuckle nervously and say, “Ah, but it’s just a film!”
The CNC has made it clear that each film is assessed on an individual basis, so it seems they were in quite the philosophical mood when they decided to classify *Smile 2* as beyond the ken of youngsters under 16. I imagine the conversation in those meetings has all the excitement of watching paint dry, punctuated by bouts of existential dread: “Is horror truly horror if the kids can watch?” Like they always say—the best way to keep your kids out of trouble is to ban the one thing they really want to do!
Final Thoughts: Should We Care?
So, here we go! *Smile 2* is out in theaters, and with an age rating that could almost serve as a badge of honor, it’s already attracting speculative glances. The question remains—will the thrills and screams be enough to justify the newly minted 16+ rating? Is it simply a crafty marketing technique, or is it genuinely a horror masterpiece that will keep you up at night, double-checking your lap for that stray popcorn kernel that suddenly looks suspiciously like an ax? Only time—and the ticket sales—will tell!
For those horror aficionados and thrill-seekers, strap in and prepare for a ride. Or maybe just prepare yourself to grimace as you watch that blurred line between excitement and sheer terror dance before you. Either way, make sure that age key is in your pocket—because let’s face it, nobody wants to be the adult turned away at the cinema door because ‘everyone’ knows the ratings are just there for show!
Catch *Smile 2* at cinemas, if you dare… but maybe leave the kids at home, just in case!
Two years after the surprise success of the first film, “Smile 2” by Parker Finn arrives in France with a ban on children under 16 years old. A more severe classification than for the first opus, but why?
The Curse of Smile returns to the screens. Two years have passed since the phenomenon of the first film. Faced with this success, director Parker Finn offers a sequel centered, this time, on a pop singer played by Naomi Scott.
This second part uses the mechanism of the first but has received a ban on children under 16 years old. Smile, the first of its name, was prohibited for children under 12 years old with a warning. But for what reason exactly?
Contacted by AlloCiné, the National Center for Cinema and Animated Images (CNC) explained this choice:
“The commission proposes a ban on minors under sixteen years of age for this gory film which multiplies the bloody scenes without giving the viewer any respite, while evoking the madness and hallucinations of the main character, with shocking images likely to disturb the viewer. sensitivity of an audience under sixteen years of age.”
A justified classification?
Smile 2 is much more ambitious than the first film, both from a technical point of view – the impressive sequence shot in the opening scene is proof of this – and in terms of thrills.
When it comes to horror, this sequel is certainly more graphic – notably through a particularly bloody scene which takes place in a hotel room – but remains in line with the first film.
Regulars of the genre should not be impressed by the violent nature of Smile 2 which is far, very far from the horrific imagery of Terrifier 3 – prohibited for those under 18 in France, a rare classification.
The CNC recalls that “each film is a work in itself, that is to say unique, and that it is determined on a case-by-case basis collectively to give an opinion for the minister”.
Smile 2 by Parker Finn can be seen at the cinema.
