The fifth dive into the Scream world is interestingly a humor-filled recommencement of the original film. Here is Gadi Elkon’s full review of the movie.
Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.
The sequels that follow horror films are always laced with issues. The Scream series is no different as the ebb and flow of 2 through 4 never matched the wonderful suspense of the original film. The other element that made the original film so beloved is the way in which Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson totally spoofed and commented on the intricate details of the horror genre. This fifth film harps back to the tongue-in-cheek nature of highlighting those “rules” and the evil ramifications of the genre on the sad folks living the horror. The added movie/book with-in the movie established in the series just added so many fun layers for the Scream/Stab element.
Cast wise the presence of Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox really solidified the nostalgic feel of the movie and yet the new kids also had loads of fun. Jack Quaid is by far the most recognizable new members of the Scream family, and he totally delivers as Richie. For me though Jenna Ortega as Tara and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy (one half of a bro-sis twin set) steal every scene they are in. The talented group of young ladies and the eventual kick-ass ness of the Campbell/Cox (Sidney and Gale) combo really round out the action elements of battling Ghostface.
The jump scares are thankfully intelligently done and as usual the teasing element of when they occur is one of the best things of Scream. This series ability to basically break the fourth wall with the audience in harping on the horror genre is totally the best thing Wes, Kevin and these writers have given us. The film works as a real lovely tribute to Wes Craven and all that he did by turning the horror genre on its head by basically spoofing his favorite things of the history of the movies.
I won’t spoil anything about who is under the infamous ghost face mask but if there is a slightly debatable element to the film it is this choice of killer or killers. I had my own theory of who it was and still feel it would have worked better. However, the film does a lovely job of tying the previous films characters into this crop of kids. The connect the dots element of the film is totally in the rules of the genre established by Jamie Kennedy in the original.
Enjoy the recalls to the previous films, relish the gory blood-soaked murder scenes, rejoice in the song call backs, and remember the brilliance of Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson epic original film with this 5th installment!
Welcome to 2022 with this fun Scream revival.
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Written by: James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick from characters created by Kevin Williamson.
Rated: R
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 1hr 54min
Horror / Mystery / Thriller
Release: In theaters Today!
Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Jake Quaid, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sonia Ammar, Marley Shelton, Jenna Ortega, Dylan Minnette, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Kyle Gallner, and Melissa Barrera
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
