My Review Of “Scream 4”

The Scream franchise is the single most influential horror series accredited for the genre’s massive come back in the mid 1990’s, a come back which hasn’t slowed down since the first “Scream” hit theaters in 1996. Flash forward a decade later through the creative killing fields of horror savvy teens in two more sequels and here we are again. Three years into yet another decade destined to be saturated by one of the most cultural game changing cinematic genre’s in on the planet, here we are with yet another installment of the “Scream” series.

“Scream 4” finds Sidney back in Woodsboro along with Gale, who moved to the cursed town to be with Dewey. The place hasn’t changed much. Parents live on moments of denial and fear while teens strut around in self ordained authority and importance. The perfect setting for Ghostface to become rebooted. It’s nice to see the original characters in their home again becoming reacquainted and shaking up the scene. The blending of the original story with the next generation of victims is always a pleasant aspect in horror sequels.

The thing that make this film work is the false sense you get that you know what is going to happen because you have seen it all before. The fact that this is actually addressed by the characters themselves lets you know you are only along for the ride. Not that there isn’t some element of surprise because there are a few. Each kill is quick and brutal in classic Ghostface style. Sadly though the big reveal is not really a reveal. You can pretty much tell who the killers are two thirds of the way through the film. The obvious sign that lets you know –1. the way the direction focuses on trying to make you question everyone, except for two characters, who seem to be portrayed as innocent and hapless. Barely glanced at as merely harmless players. 2. a bit more hidden and subtle, every scenario of a “Scream” plot has been played out and discussed on screen, off screen, so where else could the story go but to venture deep within the family in order to validate the signature rage or misguided angst always directed toward Sidney Prescott.

“Scream 4” is a genius plot. One that you want to see happen, with the outcome it has. This film was a bit more toned down on the tongue-in-cheek humor that the first three movies boasted. Instead this script stays more dark and mature in it’s approach, focusing on the seriousness of the story. This lets the kill scenes and plot build to the big twist at the finale. “Scream 4” doesn’t blow your mind as many fans had hoped, yet it does make you say “yes” enthusiastically. This is a solid movie for the series, not that one was needed, but you are thankful that one has been made. Whether or not this is the period at the end of the sentence or merely a pause in the story remains to be seen. Thankfully I now have four films to satisfy my screams!