Early Reviews for 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Praise 'Tense,' 'Timely' Sequel
The prospect of making a sequel to 2015's "Sicario" initially seemed like a head-scratching choice, especially when it was revealed that original star Emily Blunt would not be back for the new flick. But apparently filmmakers knew exactly what they were doing, as the glowing early reactions to "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" have demonstrated.
Critics who attended advanced screenings of the flick have been taking to Twitter to praise "Soldado," with some admitting that they were initially skeptical of the sequel. But despite Blunt's absence, reviewers say that stars Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro shine, as does the script from returning screenwriter Taylor Sheridan.
Many critics agree that "Soldado" -- which, like the first film, revolves around the ongoing drug war along the border between the U.S. and Mexico -- is "timely," with Moviefone's own critic declaring the flick "Tense, thrilling, and surprising." And the consensus seems to be that the franchise is ripe for yet another sequel.
The embargo is up on the SICARIO sequel and I'm happy to report that it's excellent. It's a very different story than the original, but it manages the same terrifyingly realistic intensity with terrific performances all around.
— Silas Lesnick (@silaslesnick) June 15, 2018
Taylor Sheridan's sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado deepens the characters played by Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro in unexpected ways. Director Stefano Sollimo delivers. June 29.
— Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck) June 15, 2018
Moreover, Soldado is VERY timely. There is little black and white on the border between Mexico and the US. It's a grey zone and Sheridan's script isn't afraid to go there. It's a dramatic thriller with something to say. Go see it, because I can't wait to see a third chapter.
— Gregory Ellwood ???? (@TheGregoryE) June 15, 2018
SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO is, surprisingly, pretty awesome. Tense, gritty, and ends on a note where I want more. Benicio del Toro is amazing.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) June 15, 2018
Happy to report 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' is *extremely* well made and features fantastic performances from Josh Brolin and Benecio del Toro. As you might expect, Taylor Sheridan's screenplay is excellent. Really hope the film does well so they can complete the trilogy. pic.twitter.com/hLkly137jA
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) June 15, 2018
It's gooooood. Or at the very least, straight up my alley. Sollima gave me the sequel I thought I didn't want. Wonderful storytelling economy. Wicked sense of tension throughout. Wolski goes to TOWN. Brolin/Del Toro step it up. Sheridan is a beast on the page, man. Love. It.
— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) June 15, 2018
Sicario 2 or Soldado or whatever we're calling it is really amazing. Tense, thrilling, and surprising with solidly orchestrated set pieces and real emotion. It's like "Clear and Present Danger" for a new generation (I mean that in a good way). And bring on part 3 (please). pic.twitter.com/wfMMlSfmEd
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) June 15, 2018
Sounds like audiences are in for an entertaining trip to the theater. "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" opens on June 29.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado
