Black Phone 2 is a vast improvement but that’s not saying much

2 / 5 stars Black Phone 2

Horror director Scott Derrickson doubles down on the comedy for his goofy Grabber slasher series to mixed results.

Black Phone 2 official trailer

Black Phone 2 is the rare horror sequel that certainly improves on its predecessor, though your mileage may vary when it comes to how much.

It’s easy to see how director Scott Derrickson’s supernatural serial killer thriller The Black Phone spawned a franchise that could continue for years to come. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Despite its familiar premise, sparse scares and endless plot holes, the prospect of Ethan Hawke chewing scenery as a flamboyant yet chilling horror villain was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Throw in a nostalgic period setting, some familiar Stephen King-isms inherite