A sequel to a gripping dramatic thriller is not something we see a lot of in Hollywood these days. When a sequel to the acclaimed Sicario was announced, some were skeptical on this attempt to follow up Dennis Villeneuve’s crime drama. This, coupled with the absence of Villeneuve, star Emily Blunt and now-Oscar winning cinematographer Roger Deakins for its sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado left some wondering if this sequel was necessary in the first place. Well, despite this, the early reception for the film has indicated that director Stefano Sollima managed to deliver a strong follow up.
The trailer for the film seemed like it would deliver more on the action front this time around along with a return from Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro. One would assume this approach would tarnish what the original established but it seems that early social media reviews have good things to say about the film.
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
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
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
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
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
Dark doesn’t begin to describe SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO. It’s fucked up and I kinda loved it. Maybe not quite as much as the first film, but Brolin & Benicio are FIRE & Taylor Sheridan proves again why he’s one of the best writers in town. Not a perfect sequel but VERY badass
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) June 15, 2018
SICARIO – DAY OF THE SOLDADO: terrific up until the last act, when a few characters make some, well, out of character decisions. Even then, it’s an incredibly cold, precise, unfeeling depiction of the process of covert wars. This isn’t the trash action sequel they’re selling.
— Jacob Knight (@JacobQKnight) June 15, 2018
It seems that writer Taylor Sheridan’s screenplay still packs the punch that the original did along with strong performances from Brolin and Del Toro. Some have argued that it did not contain the visual splendor of the first film but it still seems like something to look out for.
Well, that’s reassuring and it’s definitely something audiences can look forward to come release date later this month. Even if the film is going to emphasize action a little bit more, it good to see that the film is shaping up to be a good sequel. If this film does well at the box-office, chances of a trilogy seems likely.
