Going into the packed test screening for Craven's now fourth installment in the now decade old Scream franchise I was admittedly a bit nervous. As a huge fan of the series since I was just 9 years old (Including both sequels which I found entertaining for all of their shortcomings), I was scared that what I was about to see would be more of a "DREAM CHILD" than a "DREAM WARRIORS" for the soon to be, if not already, classic franchise. (And yes I know that Craven did not make said movies, simply making a comparison in qualities) After all, it is hard to make just ONE quality sequel to a film, much less 3. But I held out hope as I waited for the film to begin, and with fingers crossed I watched as the opening sequence rolled.
I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as humanly possible for those who will have to wait a few more months to see Craven's film, and I can assure you that there will be no major plotlines revealed. The film follows series heroine, Sidney Presscot (Neve Campbell), who has returned to the town of Woodsboro for the final stop of her tour signing autographs and shaking hands in promotion of her self-help book based upon the tragic events of her life and the events of the first 3 films. The trip also coincides with the anniversary of the 'Woodsboro Massacre', AKA the events of the first film. While there Sidney is reunited with series staples, Gale (Patricia Arquette), and now Woodsboro sheriff Dewey Riley. The characters have now married one another, and reside in the small town. The trip also invites the introduction of several newer characters including Emma Robert's Jill, and Mary McDonnell's Kate. (Cousin and aunt to Sidney, respectively) The reunion proves bittersweet however as the reemergence of Sidney in Woodsboro invokes the return of Ghostface, who has once again not only targeted Sidney, but also her loved ones and Jill's friends. Now it seems that Sid must not only fear for her own life, but be forced to bear witness to the murders themselves, as this new killer(s) toys with her and the police of Woodsboro, in a sick and twisted game of cat and mouse.
From the opening scenes (That stay true to the roots of the franchise by delivering a body count tally almost immediately) it is obvious that the past decade of horror has definitely dated the franchise. Everything is bigger. The gore is stronger, the kills are more brutal, and the killer(s) is more sadistic. Instead of simply hunting Sidney, Dewey, and Gale down the killer is now forcing the characters to watch others (and themselves) be attacked and murdered. Speaking of the core cast of returning characters, all three are superb. Campbell's Sidney is now a much stronger, and less vulnerable character than fans remember from the first few films. Less of a victim now, Sid has now come to terms with her past, and faced her demons. (Although, as all humans do, she has her missteps) Dewey and Gale continue to be the heart and soul of the series, delivering one-liners and playing off of each other's performances seamlessly. There is one scene in particular (near the middle) where the two are having a spat over the murders that left me and my friend in stitches. It might be true that Sidney is the 'heroine', but these two characters seem to be the lifeblood flowing through the veins of the films, and even in the most volatile of situations (of which there is a very strong one for the two) they are able to keep some levity in the film, adding much needed heart for hardcore fans.
As for the newcomers to the series lore, fans will be happy to know that Craven has outdone himself with his casting crew to deliver a MUCH more entertaining slew of characters than we have gotten in slasher films of late. (AKA- A Nightmare On Elm Street) The standouts of course being Rory Culkin's (Mean Creek) Charlie, and Erik Knudson's Robbie. The two add a definite bit of 'buddy comedy' to the film, as Knudson's character 'documents' and interviews fellow students of Woodsboro High about the 'massacre' and gets their take on the events. Charlie, the more outspoken and endearing of the two, is an expert on the horror genre, and has many great dialogue pieces. In all the two feel much like a replacement (and a worthy one) for Lillard and Kennedy's Stuart and Randy from the first film. This is not to say that the two are the only characters that shine. Emma Roberts plays Jill very well, and even though her character might be a bit less 'likable' than the aforementioned characters, the actress does a good job of playing herself opposite Campbell and keeping up. As for Panettiere, I am predicting that her character becomes a favorite for theater going audiences, as she not only plays herself off as the 'sex appeal' of the film, but also throws out her own share of one-liners that are sure to have the more 'hardened' genre fans smiling. (Ex- Her phone conversation with 'Ghostface' in the newest trailer, which plays even better on screen, as the film takes a major jab at the 'remake' craze in modern cine.)
From a screenplay standpoint, Scream 4 is nearly a flawless work for Kevin Williamson. Everything is tight, although there are the usually flubs towards the end. And while the screenplay does trip up slightly in towards the films' third act, no one can really hold the small imperfections against it. Craven returns to form at the helm, delivering what is his best film in years. (And subsequently the best sequel in the franchise to date) There are plenty of jumps to be had, and the scares are at a maximum. The only gripe I would have is that some of the better ones were given away in the trailers, so if you don't want to ruin anything, then I urge you to hold off. But in summary - Scream 4 is NOT My Soul To Take. It is a far superior film and one that I am even willing to bet will be considered one of the best pure SLASHER films of the new decade.
And speaking of the trailer give-aways there are a few. I really dislike this aspect of the film. I get that the marketing guys want to get asses in seats for an R-rated slasher film, but seriously, there is nothing worse than seeing a film and then going "Well, I could have told you that was going to happen from the trailer.". And while I refuse to say WHAT scene it is I am referring to, I will say that it involves a few of the more important cast members. The scene itself is heartbreaking to watch for the hardcore crowd, albeit a bit predetermined, but it is also effective in its necessity, and fans should at the very least appreciate the quality of the performances.
As far as the score goes I expect that most of the changes will come in this area. For the most part there was nothing new here, but the return of the original score by Beltrami from the original trilogy really added to the experience for me as a fan. I'm sure that they will add some more 'recognizable' modern pieces here and there before the film finally hits theaters in April, but from what I can remember there really wasn't a whole lot to talk about here.
From beginning to end Scream 4 is a great time. I was never bored, nor did I ever find myself rolling my eyes. I asked my friend afterwords for his thoughts, and all he could come up with was "It was one hell of a good fucking time." With that said I would have to agree. For fans of the franchise (or the slasher genre as a whole)Scream 4 is a treat. It delivers on almost every level possible, and there is a lot to love and embrace in this film. With a fresh new cast, a nostalgic return of several, and some surprise cameos throughout, Scream 4 is the BEST sequel in the franchise, and once again proves that Craven is still a master of the craft. Forget all aboutMy Soul To Take and Cursed, because this is the director at his best. It will scare the shit out of your girlfriend, entertain the hell out of your buddies, and most importantly entertain the TRUE horror fan without insulting them.
Well there ya have it. Rave review, but what the fuck is going on with Gale in the 3rd paragraph from the bottom. They are almost for sure talking about the barn scene. Gale can't die, I won't be able to handle it. Dewey, eh, I'd be shaken up if he were to bite it; Sidney, I'd be very upset and get over it over the summer; but GALE! NO FREAKING WAY. We Scream fans have waited eleven years to see the best character die! BS!
Now, there's always a chance that this article is talking about someone else, because the Stab-a-thon (where Gale's chase takes place) ends Act 2. Dewey has already been seen in Act 3, saving the day kind of. How could he just put on his uniform and go on duty when his wife has just died. And other rumors from the screener have said that Sid, Gale, Dewey, Kirby* and Hicks are the survivors, with Jill and Charlie as the killers. It's been said a few times, so I don't know. But if Gale does die. There will be hell to pay. I don't care if 4 is better than all three combined, not happening.
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