Scream 2 Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: As Sid tries to move on with her life at college she finds herself being pursued once again by a masked killer.

Review: Taking place two years after the events of the first film (less than one year in reality), this entry offers pretty much everything that was good about the original, but there's just something about it that feels weaker. To be fair, the Randy character even remarks that "by definition alone, sequels are inferior films." It's tough to explain because there are moments that are better than the original and it applies the same formula that worked so spectacularly the first time around, but there are more contrivances, less mystery, and a lame twist that holds it down; my expectations may have been a little too high as well back in '97. It's definitely worth noting that the original script, while mostly identical to the theatrical version, was altered after leaks on the internet; this was something of a new concept in those days.

I'll start with what they did right and even the improvements. First, the opening, as classic as the original's was, is outdone by "Scream 2"'s death at the cinema sequence. The two victims, both black, serve as more satire of the genre with how black people often die first in horror films (which is a huge misconception by the way) and are not represented properly. The two characters do bring up some poignant facts and they are funny which enhanced the buildup to their deaths. At the same time, these two characters, Phil and Maureen, are watching a movie based on the events of the first film called "Stab," and we're shown an over the top exaggeration to how audiences behave while at the movie theater. In case you couldn't tell by now, I'm a sucker for the movie within a movie concept so this was a nice touch especially given the actors cast in "Stab;" there was a certain level of attention to detail that goes a long way for fans. Now at college, we are once again introduced to the returning survivors from part one and treated to each character's reaction to nearly being killed. Now Sid has caller-ID, Gale is more of a bitch, Dewey tries to be tougher, and Randy wants to pretend it never happened. Addressing the character interactions was a strong point and starting off with a debate on the quality of sequels was an interesting way to set the tone; in fact, debating the quality of sequels becomes a reoccurring theme throughout the film and this leads to some great introspection of film in general. The suspense and the intrigue regarding the killer's identity are increased as there are even more suspects and bigger red herrings. To the film's credit, I had even been convinced that some of the original survivors could still possibly be the killer (looking at you Gale!). Frequently, our expectations are toyed with to the point of playing off our understanding of the first film which makes sure things never get boring. Lastly, while I did not want Randy to die, you have to admit, it was shocking and placing this death at the midway point emphasizes the possibility that more main characters could die by the end; this was a highly successful means of building tension.

A big problem with this film is the increased amount of contrivances. "Scream" had its fair share, no doubt about that, but this time they were more glaringly obvious and annoying. Phil being killed in the bathroom starts off a chain of implausible moments that are extremely farfetched. Sid being attacked during the play rehearsal and the killer escaping? Sid going back to the stage at the end of the film? Gale not knowing what Mrs. Loomis looks like?! The events of the film feel too forced. Even some of the little details feel stupid such as Dewey having his own idiotic theme music and everyone using "bigger" words because it's college (just listen to the dialogue from people like Derek!). One important factor that I did not like was the blatant realization that there were two killers right from the start; this is apparent by the second killing (Cici), when we see the killer sneak into a sorority while he's still talking on the phone. Sure, it creates more speculation, but as the suspects are narrowed down, you pretty much knew who at least one killer was too early. Speaking of these two goofball killers, they're probably the most forgettable of the franchise. First we have Mickey with his motive to "blame the movies" during his trial as he plans to be intentionally caught. Then the lame twist that some background reporter is actually Billy's mom seeking revenge against Sid in the most ridiculous manner. If that weren't bad enough, Mickey dies so quick we hardly had a grasp on his character other than he's obsessed with movies. Mrs. Loomis, on the other hand, was weak, unbelievable, and her motive didn't jive with the tone of the film. In case you're wondering, the original killers were meant to be Derek and Hallie. Finally, the conclusion felt lackluster with Cotton receiving all the praise, Dewey miraculously surviving...again, and Sid casually walking off into the sunset.

I will say this, my view on the rest of the franchise is that they each remain consistently on par with this entry. They strive to be as good as the original, but they fall short for various reasons, and they are, by no means, bad movies. This entry brought great satire and addressed many issues with sequels and especially how they pertain to the horror genre. The acting, pacing, and story are good but not great. Had there been fewer contrivances and a better approach to the killers, this could have equalled or surpassed the original. As it stands, this film is a worthy followup and a great film in its own right. I know many believe this is the second best in the franchise, but eh. Definitely check this one out and you should be watching the whole franchise for that matter!

Notable Moment: When we see Tori Spelling playing Sid in "Stab" just as they joked in passing during the first film. Such hilarious attention to detail.

Final Rating: 7/10