Scream 4

Dimension Films

4.5 out of 5 Stars

The original Scream trilogy provided an entertaining and self-referential look at slasher films, poking fun at the many conventions that had developed in the horror genre during the eighties and early nineties. Though many critics agreed the third entry showed a significant drop in quality, the opinion overall was that the series as a whole represented some of director Wes Craven’s best work.

As such, the announcement of a fourth entry was met with trepidation by many. Most slasher series are remembered for a constant decline in quality with each sequel, and the reception of Scream 3 made the idea of another movie seem like a questionable idea.

Fortunately, those worries can be laid to rest. Though not quite as strong as the original film, Scream 4 is a wonderful return to form for the series. With 11 years worth of new horror films to reference and lampoon, Craven and his team have managed to create a movie that can be enjoyed by old and new fans alike.

The film follows Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, as she returns to her hometown of Woodsboro to promote her new book. It is also the anniversary of the first murders, and a new Ghostface (the masked killer in all of the Scream films) uses the occasion to start another killing spree.

Also returning from the original trilogy are Courtney Cox and David Arquette. The two, as well as Campbell, manage to slip back into their old roles with ease, and their presence on the screen feels welcome.

This time around, Sidney’s niece Jill, played by Emma Roberts, is also a target, as are her closest friends and classmates. Add in numerous officers, parents, and reporters that pad out the cast, and the film provides a surplus of characters to be both suspects and victims of Ghostface.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is the sheer number of red herrings it throws at the viewers. The idea that “everyone is a suspect” is stated early on, and this remains evident throughout. Every ominous line or action is highlighted for the audience, and almost every new character can easily be imagined as the killer, at least until they meet the business end of Ghostface’s knife.

Even stronger are the numerous references to other horror films released since Scream 3 premiered in 2000. Aside from easy jabs at the Saw series, the film’s main focus is on the high number of horror reboots released in the past few years.

Though Scream 4 isn’t a remake or a reboot itself, it plays on the tropes of the genre through the new cast of teenage characters. In this way, the movie manages to feel as if it is an homage to itself, particularly through the actions of the latest Ghostface.

The new killings resemble those of the original Woodsboro murders so closely that the resident film geeks are quick to point out that a new set of rules apply to who will survive. The concept of following the rules of a horror movie are nothing new to the series, but the way everyone in town feeds into their importance and takes them to a much funnier level.

This leads to another important element of Scream 4: the humor. The series has always poked fun at the slasher flicks it has paid homage to, but never has the balance between humor and horror been managed so well.

For some, the increase in humor may be off-putting, especially fans who recall it being one of the factors that hurt Scream 3. However, the jokes this time work more often than not, and provide a needed amount of levity following some of the series’ most devastating kills.

The kills manage to be particularly impressive, even if they may not be that gruesome when compared with those found in films such as Saw and Hostel.

Beyond just the kills and jokes, the movie manages to maintain a consistent level of entertainment and creativity. From the clever opening sequence to the sharp dialogue shared by the characters, everything about the film feels fully thought out and well-developed.

Overall, Scream 4 proves there is still life in this horror franchise. Though not as strong at the 1996 original, this latest return to Woodsboro is a trip worth taking.