Scream Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: A masked killer targets teens in a small town following the anniversary of a woman's brutal murder.

Review: There was actually a really shitty horror movie made in the '80s also called "Scream," but let's just pretend that one doesn't exist. Oh who am I kidding, nobody remembers that piece of shit! Let's talk about the "Scream" film and franchise we all know and love! By now, I think everyone has watched this movie directly or indirectly through the numerous parodies; still nowhere near "Paranormal Activity's" quantity of unfunny parodies though. I have often read many people criticizing the comedy elements of this franchise, but they seem to confuse comedy with satire. It's not that what the characters are saying or the events that transpire are inherently meant to be funny, but it's because the audience understood the cliches and tired formula horror films had been implementing up to that point. And damn it, by '96, the formula was, indeed, tired as all hell, the major franchises were all but dead, and new ideas were clearly running dry. Now, some have said this movie reinvigorated the horror genre and made it likable again, but I would only go as far to say it revitalized the slasher sub-genre substantially. Horror is still not where I would like it to be despite its vast improvements to acting, style, and direction. Sure, films like "The Ring" come along and give the genre a much needed boost of energy followed by many ripoffs in the same vein. But there has yet to be a film that truly represented horror and inspired new ideas rather than wannabes; that's what is really key here. The "Scream" franchise has always taken everything we thought we knew to expect from a slasher and flip it on its head while simultaneously toying with audience's expectations accompanied by subtle jokes, nuances, details, and homages that only more veteran horror fans will understand and appreciate.

Directed by Wes Craven, best known for the original "A Nightmare on Elm Street," you knew this film would bring something new to the table since Mr. Craven usually delivers something unique. The story is the ultimate sendup to '80s slashers while combining a, then, more modern outlook to incorporate what worked in the past while satirizing what didn't work and even occasionally including these elements in an ironic way. The movie begins with one of the most iconic and quoted scenes in horror history as Drew Barrymore's character discusses the horror genre elaborately in a creepy phone call; thus, was born the infamous line, "What's your favorite scary movie?" As it would turn out, Ms. Barrymore is killed off, along with her boyfriend, in the first 15 minutes or so by a masked killer who would later be referred to as "Ghostface." It doesn't seem as crazy now except as shock value, but back then this confused audiences, because, not only was Ms. Barrymore the biggest named actor in the film, but she was featured predominantly in advertisements leading many to believe she was the main character. Her death threw audiences off immediately setting a strong tone for the events that would unfold.

Our actual lead would turn out to be the notorious Sidney Prescott, played well by Neve Campbell. Sid's boyfriend, Billy, is introduced not long after and presented as the epitome of red herrings. As word of two murders spreads around the tiny town of Woodsboro, we are introduced to Sid's various friends otherwise known as the suspects. After all, half the fun of this kind of slasher is trying to figure out which character will be the killer, and this film succeeds well with creating speculation and suspicion. We also learn a reporter, named Gale Weathers, played by Courteney Cox, believes these killings are related to Sid's mother that was murdered a year earlier under mysterious circumstances. Later that night, Sid finds herself the next target of the masked killer as she narrowly escapes death only to stumble upon Billy looking extra suspicious. We are then introduced to Dewey, the dumbest cop in the world, played by David Arquette. For me, I always wanted Dewey to be the killer because he's even more suspicious than Billy! His motive could have been something like he was in love with Sid since he did know her for a long time. Oh well. With Billy cleared, and after some shenanigans, school is cancelled and a curfew is issued for Woodsboro. Because of this, one of Sid's friends, Stu, played awesomely by Mathew Lillard, decides to throw a party whereby they convince Sid she will be safer with friends as her dad is away on business. Another friend and fan favorite, Randy, played by Jamie Kennedy, has a hilarious rant at a video store about why he believes Billy is the killer, followed by the infamous delivery of the "rules of a horror movie" during Stu's party; all of this is accentuated by the original "Halloween" playing in the background. After more people are "sliced and diced," Sid finds herself pursued by the killer after red herring Billy is seemingly killed. For some reason, Sid returns to Stu's house after narrowly escaping where she finds that Dewey and Gale are both seemingly dead. As it stands, the only people left are Sid, Randy, and Stu when Billy emerges very much alive. Having faked his injuries, Billy shoots Randy and as Sid runs, she is stopped by Stu who is working with Billy. This was one of the great moments of this franchise because not only does the red herring finally turn out to be the killer, but we are really thrown a curveball with a second killer. No one could have seen that coming, and if you swear you did, then you are a liar. The reason why Billy is killing everyone is to celebrate the anniversary of when the two killed Sid's mother because Sid's mom was sleeping with Billy's dad and broke up their family. Uh, okay, but why blame Sid? Stu, while hilarious, doesn't have much of a motive except that he's crazy and the two have watched too many scary movies. It did suck the motives were paper thin, but it was even dumber when Billy and Stu stab each other in preparation to blame Sid's dad for the killings and claim to have been left for dead. Gale, alive, attempts to shoot the two but does not know how to use a gun properly and is knocked out. Sid uses this opportunity to hide and taunt the killers. After a scuffle with Billy, she then fights Stu who is killed by a TV slammed on his head. Billy is about to kill Sid when Gale does manage to shoot him followed by Sid finishing Billy off with a shot to the head. The movie ends with the revelation that Dewey survived as well as Randy. Eh, the ending probably has the majority of my gripes for this film, but, as a whole, these are the best and most memorable killers in the franchise.

Needless to say, this was one of the most influential films to the horror genre in recent years. Hell, even I dressed up as ghostface for Halloween one year! This is a prime example of how experimenting with a new horror formula can produce cinema gold. The pacing, mystery and intrigue, music, imagery, story, and action were all superb. There are so many great moments it is no wonder they had sequels plotted almost immediately. This film embodies all that was endearing in the '80s while adding a clever update that resonated with the audience personally. This was more than merely another horror movie, it was a film that played specifically to the audience and understood what they'd be thinking and feeling during the progression of the story. It's not to say there weren't errors made along the way as there are some serious flaws with the killers' motives, some major contrivances, a few bouts of questionable acting, and virtually no scares to be had. With that said, this is about as successful as a slasher can ever hope to be and the creators should be proud. If for some strange reason you haven't watched this film, seriously, get off your ass and watch it even if for the sheer knowledge on pop culture references. Besides, everyone should be able to understand and answer the question, "What's your favorite scary movie?" even if your name isn't Sidney!

Notable Moment: Although the opening scene is iconic, I have to go with when the principal hears someone knocking on his door and goes out in the hallway cursing. This is followed by a quick shot of Wes Craven himself dressed up as Freddy Krueger and even the principal calls him "Fred." Let's also not forget that the principal is none other than the Fonz!

Final Rating: 8.5/10