A One Mann’s Movies review of “Scream” (2022).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
The 5th in the franchise, can “Scream” extract any more entertainment from a well-hacked genre? Well, actually, yes!
Plot Summary:
Woodsboro California was the real-life setting for the “Stab” series of teen-slasher movies. They featured a deadly killer called “Ghostface” and numbered eight in total… of steadily deteriorating quality. But when Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) is brutally attacked by someone wearing the Ghostface costume, it looks like ‘fiction’ is encroaching on the real world again.
Tara’s sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) and her boyfriend Richie Kirsch (Jack Quaid – – son of Dennis and Meg Ryan) return to Woodsboro to offer support, but find themselves in the middle of an escalating crisis for the town.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid, Jenna Ortega, Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox.
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.
Written by: James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. (Based on characters created by Kevin Williamson).
“Scream” Review:
Positives:
- This is a smart script that neatly blends “reality” with “fiction” around the fictitious “Stab” movie series. There are lots of self-mocking references to the ‘rules of the game’ and a load of very funny “nod, nod, wink, wink” references to the absurdity of the Scream franchise. At one point Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) does a nice rundown of how they should really make a successful sequel (or ‘re-quel’ as she calls it) to the Stab series….. just what they’ve done with this movie. And another character comments that “The (Stab) franchise REALLY went downhill after the fifth film”. (This is, of course, “Scream 5”!).
- The young cast are engaging and, where applicable, die suitably bloody deaths! Particularly engaging for me was Disney Channel alumni Jenna Ortega, who has real screen presence and is “one to watch”. It was also great to have regulars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette back to star again.
- There’s lots of neat “Easter Eggs” in there for horror fans, as tribute to
Wes Anderson(to who the film is dedicated). (Ed: D’oh! I of course mean WES CRAVEN here, the original Scream-franchise director!)
Negatives:
- The movie does perhaps overstep the mark with the self-mockery by about 10 to 20% – at times it became a bit forced and tiresome.
- The film really does expose Courteney Cox’s lack of acting ability. I really didn’t think she was very good in this.
Summary Thoughts on “Scream”
Although I’m not a great horror fan, I thought this one was great fun. I had a goofy grin on my face for most of the running time.
But if you’re not sitting in the back row of the cinema, don’t forget to always “LOOK BEHIND YOU!”.
Trailer for “Scream”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beToTslH17s.
