Every bit as nerve-jangling and brilliantly executed as the first film, the only thing missing this go-’round is the element of surprise, which inherently drops away in every sequel. Emily Blunt is still at the top of her game, but Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe (as the youngsters in the Abbott clan) steal the show. If you’ve been waiting for a solid reason to return to movie theaters, this fits the bill in spades.
4.5/5 stars