by Joshua Scarselli.
It looks like local filmmaker Frank Palangi isn’t slowing down anytime soon! The creative force behind Palangi Films is back with his newest installment, “Say Cheese 2.” If you enjoyed the original, you’ll be glad to know this follow-up keeps that gritty momentum going strong.
This time around, we head right back into Warren County as that cursed 1980s Polaroid resurfaces to claim a fresh batch of victims. Once the camera locks onto someone and that shutter clicks, their fate is pretty much sealed. The story follows Cassey as she tries to move past the trauma of the first movie, only to find out that the supernatural force behind the lens isn’t anywhere close to being finished with her.
To make matters even more chaotic, a group of true-crime podcasters catches wind of the bizarre string of deaths piling up in the area. As their audio investigation starts gaining traction, their search brings them directly into the camera’s path. It creates a great cat-and-mouse dynamic where the characters have to figure out how to outrun the entity before anyone else gets snapped.
What works so well here is the overall craft and pacing. The runtime moves along quickly without getting bogged down, giving horror lovers plenty of thrills from start to finish. The performances are grounded, selling the fear and supernatural stakes without drifting into over-the-top camp.
Behind the lens, Palangi’s visual eye really stands out. He uses creative angles and moody framing that ratchet up the tension, making everyday environments feel deeply unsettling. The deliberate use of bold lighting and rich colors sets the scene effectively, giving the production a distinct, stylized personality.
The score deserves major credit as well. Palangi’s music works hand-in-hand with the imagery to build a dark, atmospheric presence that keeps your pulse racing throughout every scene.
Frank continues to be a true one-man powerhouse—handling the directing, writing, editing, and composing all on his own. You can see the pure passion poured into every single frame. Say Cheese 2 is a fun, eerie, and polished indie ride that proves Palangi’s filmmaking chops are only getting sharper.
You can catch Say Cheese 2 on Fawesome TV and Relay. It will be coming soon to Tubi.
Photos provided by Frank Palangi.
