Movie Review: Scream 4
It's been over ten years since the last Scream movie, but it seems like it was only a couple weeks ago. This is probably due to the fact that I watched all the Scream movies a couple weeks ago, in preparation for this fourth installment. And let me just say- this movie was well worth the wait. Scream 4 is not only the funniest of the series, but it's also the most original since the first one. Scream 2 and Scream 3, while enjoyable, felt forced, trying too hard not only to recreate the first one, but to up the ante. Scream 4 not only ups the ante, but it doesn't feel forced; and while faithful to the series, it doesn't stay tied down to the "rules" of the first three, following through on its tag line: "New Decade. New Rules."
If none of what I previously said makes any sense to you, that's okay. Scream 4 can be enjoyed on a number of levels, not just as a "Scream" movie per se, but just as a movie in general. The plot is simple: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is back in Woodsboro, her hometown, promoting her new book. But oh no! As soon as Sidney returns, some kids from Woodsboro High start getting killed! There's a whole new batch of teens this time around, and just like the other movies, everyone is a suspect. And of course, Courtney Cox and David Arquette are there to try and catch the perp. Who's the killer? WHO IS IT??? Okay, it's not an original plot line, but it doesn't need to be. And there are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you on your toes.
Seeing the old characters is great, but it's the new additions to this cast that really make the movie work. Rory Culkin and Erik Knudsen are excellent as the two film buffs, and serve their roles well as the horror genre authorities. Emma Roberts also does a good job as Sidney's younger cousin, and Hayden Panatierre as her good friend Kirby. And finally, Allison Brie (from NBC's Community) is awesome, hamming it up as Sidney's book agent. There's a ton of killing in this movie, even for a Scream movie. The pace is basically non-stop, and it doesn't let up until the unexpected finale. Overall, you just have to see this movie, whether you're a Scream fan or not. Heck, see it even if you're a horror fan or not. It's a ton of fun.
If none of what I previously said makes any sense to you, that's okay. Scream 4 can be enjoyed on a number of levels, not just as a "Scream" movie per se, but just as a movie in general. The plot is simple: Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is back in Woodsboro, her hometown, promoting her new book. But oh no! As soon as Sidney returns, some kids from Woodsboro High start getting killed! There's a whole new batch of teens this time around, and just like the other movies, everyone is a suspect. And of course, Courtney Cox and David Arquette are there to try and catch the perp. Who's the killer? WHO IS IT??? Okay, it's not an original plot line, but it doesn't need to be. And there are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you on your toes.
Seeing the old characters is great, but it's the new additions to this cast that really make the movie work. Rory Culkin and Erik Knudsen are excellent as the two film buffs, and serve their roles well as the horror genre authorities. Emma Roberts also does a good job as Sidney's younger cousin, and Hayden Panatierre as her good friend Kirby. And finally, Allison Brie (from NBC's Community) is awesome, hamming it up as Sidney's book agent. There's a ton of killing in this movie, even for a Scream movie. The pace is basically non-stop, and it doesn't let up until the unexpected finale. Overall, you just have to see this movie, whether you're a Scream fan or not. Heck, see it even if you're a horror fan or not. It's a ton of fun.
I unabashedly LOVED this movie! I wanted to like it so much and I did. I love the series and it was so great to see it come back.
ReplyDeleteI loved the "reboot" idea and how it was played out. Unfortunately you can't ever talk too much about Scream movies without spoiling them but I thought it was well worth the wait.
I will say that I hope they leave it there. They make a joke about horror movie franchises never knowing when to stop. I hope they do for this one.
Also, Sid's line about remakes? FUCK YEAH!!! I literally cheered in the theater.
ReplyDeleteJP- I'm glad you loved it, so did I. Although, I wouldn't be opposed in principle to another Scream sequel, as long as it's well thought out and not just rushed into production.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I forgot to mention in this review- the opening of Scream 4 is fucking hilarious.