Horror Movie Reviews Smile 2 (2024) Black Phone 2 (2024) and Vicious (2025) Dakota Fanning's Character.

About this episode

The hosts review and analyze the latest horror films, including Smile 2, Black Phone 2, and Vicious, while discussing themes and performances.

The latest episode of the Seasoned Skeptics Podcast is out now, and we're diving deep into some of the freshest (and freakiest) horror releases while keeping our signature skeptical eye peeled for what works, what flops, and what just leaves us grinning... or grimacing. We kick things off with Smile 2 (2024), the sequel that takes the cursed smile entity to new nightmare levels. Following pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she battles terrifying hallucinations, fame's pressures, and her own dark past ahead of a massive world tour, this one amps up the psychological horror with body horror flair and a standout lead performance. We break down whether it tops the original, how it handles trauma and mental health themes, and if that ending curse-spreading twist hits as hard as it aims to. Next up: Black Phone 2 (2025), bringing back Finney and Gwen Blake years after the Grabber's defeat. Now older, the siblings face new supernatural chills at a snowy winter camp tied to mysterious past murders, ghostly payphone calls, and lingering evil that refuses to stay buried. Ethan Hawke's shadow looms large, and we discuss the film's shift in focus, its '80s throwback vibes, dream…

People in this episode

Hosts: Nick, Derral

Topics covered

• horror movie reviews
• psychological horror
• supernatural chills
• sequel analysis
• film critique

Keywords

• horror movies
• Smile 2
• Black Phone 2
• Vicious
• Dakota Fanning
• film reviews
• psychological horror

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Smile 2, Black Phone 2, Vicious, The Strangers

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