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“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” has an uphill battle when it debuts at the end of this month. While the film has had some pretty great marketing, including wonderful trailers that bring back the vibe of the first movie, there’s still a fairly large contingent of film fans saying, “But why?”

That’s the big question that looms over the head of ‘Day of the Soldado.’ Why make a sequel to a film that doesn’t necessarily call for one? Why make a sequel when the original director can’t come back? Why make a sequel when the star of the first film isn’t featured? Just, why make a sequel?

Well, according to the early reactions on social media to “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” the answer might very well be that there’s still a great story to tell. Our own Gregory Ellwood said, “It’s FANTASTIC. It’s doesn’t have the visual splendor of Villeneuve’s first film, but Taylor Sheridan’s screenplay is SUPERB. Film has unexpected heartbreaking moments and strong performances from Del Toro and Brolin.”

You can find a number of reactions below that echo those sentiments. Apparently, the incoming director Stefano Sollima has done an admirable job following in the footsteps of Denis Villeneuve. And as you might expect from their performances in “Sicario,” Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro shine as they return to their characters. But the real star of the show is none other than writer Taylor Sheridan. The creative mind behind the first film, as well as films “Hell or High Water” and “Wind River” (which he also directed), is showing no signs of slowing down his amazing career.

So, even though on paper, ‘Sicario 2’ doesn’t seem like an obvious movie, it just might very well be one of the best films of the year….again. The film hits theaters June 29.

Saw Sicario: Day of the Soldado last night. It's FANTASTIC. It's doesn't have the visual splendor of Villeneuve's first film, but Taylor Sheridan's screenplay is SUPERB. Film has unexpected heartbreaking moments and strong performances from Del Toro and Brolin. pic.twitter.com/SH5gGOQnvv — Gregory Ellwood ? (@TheGregoryE) 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

Moreover, SOLDADO should have been at CANNES either in or out of competition. I heard the festival wanted it, but the decision was made note to go even though Del Toro was Un Certain Regard jury prez. Would have been a strong critical kick off for them and much needed buzz. — Gregory Ellwood ? (@TheGregoryE) 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

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

I'm told I can now tell you this tweet referenced "Sicario: Day of the Soldado." https://t.co/Cz7YgoXlZV — Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) 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

Isabela Moner is stellar as well. And the film is dedicated to Jóhann Jóhannsson, of course, whose work is well-respected by Hildur Guðnadóttir (a cellist on the first). "The Beast" gets such a badass reprise, though. Anyway, I'll see it again ASAP. — Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) 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

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