‘Scream’ is a Fun Slasher That Will Make Fans Happy – Spoiler Free Review
Scream hits theaters this weekend– here’s why I think it’s a great ride for slasher fans and folks that love the franchise.
It’s happening again. A new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and is picking off the teens of Woodsboro. It’s not random, though. All of the killer’s victims have ties to the murder spree that happened twenty-five years ago.
“Horror fan or not, this movie is just awesome.”
Watch the final trailer for #ScreamMovie and see what critics are screaming about! Get your tickets now – Early shows Thursday night, in theatres everywhere Friday: https://t.co/8wq978FUoj— Scream (@ScreamMovies) January 11, 2022
Where Scream Excels
Some core original cast is back with new directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (the minds behind the wonderful horror-comedy Ready or Not). Original Scream screenwriter Kevin Williamson is an executive producer on the movie, so there’s a lot of institutional memory behind it. That memory works in the movie’s favor.
Courtney Cox, Neve Campbell, and David Arquette are great as the returning survivors. It’s not stunt casting at all. They play a big part in the story, and they all get to kick some ass and take names.
via Paramount Pictures
Scream is self-aware. It takes the meta jokes that have been the backbone of the franchise and updates them for 2022. It makes fun of horror movie tropes, generational differences, and the fandom. Its humor is smart and doesn’t veer into Scary Movie territory.
This is a slasher through and through. It’s got some great kills and doesn’t shy away from dumping buckets of blood on its sets and actors. The story ratchets up the tension and will have you guessing who the killer is till the end. They throw a ton of red herrings at you.
The balance of elements they’ve struck is something I think Wes Craven would have appreciated. And in a swift two hours that will leave you time to do other things in your evening. You will not be bored because the story is constantly moving forward.
via GIPHY
Where It Flunks
It doesn’t really bring anything new to the franchise beyond actors. It takes what made the first one great and does it again. If you’re looking for the next evolution in the franchise, you will be disappointed. It’s derivative, but that’s kind of the point.
via Paramount Pictures
Should you see Scream this weekend?
This is by far the best sequel, so if you’re already a Scream fan it’s a no-brainer. It will hit all the right notes for folks looking for a fun slasher and find horror tropes enjoyable. It’s not an Oscar-worthy movie, but it’s a super fun ride to escape into. You won’t regret buying a ticket (or the rental fee).
