News
October 22, 2025
Movie review: Hang up on dreadfully boring 'Black Phone 2'
It’s clear from the existence and execution of “Black Phone 2” that Universal and Blumhouse never expected 2021’s “The Black Phone” to be a hit. If there was an inkling this might have been more than a quick and dirty...
## Hang up on dreadfully boring 'Black Phone 2'
It's painfully obvious that Universal and Blumhouse were caught completely off guard by the success of 2021's "The Black Phone." "Black Phone 2," a sequel nobody asked for, feels less like a carefully crafted continuation and more like a rushed, cash-grab attempt to capitalize on the unexpected popularity of its predecessor. From its flimsy plot to its uninspired scares, the film fails to recapture the chilling atmosphere and compelling narrative that made the original a surprise hit.
The first film, starring Ethan Hawke as the terrifying kidnapper and murderer known as "The Grabber," resonated with audiences due to its suspenseful pacing and the genuinely unsettling performance of Hawke. It also benefited from a tight, focused story centered on a young boy trapped in a soundproof basement, communicating with the ghosts of The Grabber's previous victims through a mysterious black phone.
Unfortunately, "Black Phone 2" abandons much of what made the original work. The sequel attempts to broaden the scope, but instead of adding depth, it dilutes the suspense. The magic of the original's isolated setting is lost, replaced by a sprawling and ultimately unsatisfying narrative. The scares feel manufactured and predictable, relying on jump scares rather than genuine psychological horror.
While the cast returns, their performances feel lackluster, as if even they are aware of the film's shortcomings. Ethan Hawke’s chilling portrayal of The Grabber is reduced to fleeting appearances, diminishing his impact. The young actors who portrayed the resourceful victims in the first film are given little to do besides react to generic horror tropes.
Ultimately, "Black Phone 2" is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to the promise of its predecessor. It's a prime example of a studio rushing a project into production without a clear vision, resulting in a film that feels uninspired and ultimately forgettable. Save your money and revisit the original – you'll find far more chills and thrills there. This sequel is one call you can safely ignore.
It's painfully obvious that Universal and Blumhouse were caught completely off guard by the success of 2021's "The Black Phone." "Black Phone 2," a sequel nobody asked for, feels less like a carefully crafted continuation and more like a rushed, cash-grab attempt to capitalize on the unexpected popularity of its predecessor. From its flimsy plot to its uninspired scares, the film fails to recapture the chilling atmosphere and compelling narrative that made the original a surprise hit.
The first film, starring Ethan Hawke as the terrifying kidnapper and murderer known as "The Grabber," resonated with audiences due to its suspenseful pacing and the genuinely unsettling performance of Hawke. It also benefited from a tight, focused story centered on a young boy trapped in a soundproof basement, communicating with the ghosts of The Grabber's previous victims through a mysterious black phone.
Unfortunately, "Black Phone 2" abandons much of what made the original work. The sequel attempts to broaden the scope, but instead of adding depth, it dilutes the suspense. The magic of the original's isolated setting is lost, replaced by a sprawling and ultimately unsatisfying narrative. The scares feel manufactured and predictable, relying on jump scares rather than genuine psychological horror.
While the cast returns, their performances feel lackluster, as if even they are aware of the film's shortcomings. Ethan Hawke’s chilling portrayal of The Grabber is reduced to fleeting appearances, diminishing his impact. The young actors who portrayed the resourceful victims in the first film are given little to do besides react to generic horror tropes.
Ultimately, "Black Phone 2" is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to the promise of its predecessor. It's a prime example of a studio rushing a project into production without a clear vision, resulting in a film that feels uninspired and ultimately forgettable. Save your money and revisit the original – you'll find far more chills and thrills there. This sequel is one call you can safely ignore.
Category:
Entertainment