Scream

When the franchise "Scream" began back in 1995, who knew that it would take off like it did? I believe the main reason for it was the fact that the film was a parody of the 'slasher film' genre, so when the audience, who was looking for a fresher take on this topic, saw it, they simply jumped on the bandwagon and several more sequels spawned from it. Now, "Scream" is back whereas this is a parody parodying a parody. Did you get that?

Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers, including Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega), Wes Hicks (Dylan Minnette), Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding), and others, to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past. And through all that is happening, ultimately leads Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), to assist Dewey Riley (David Arquette), Gail Weathers-Riley (Courtney Cox), Richie Kirsch (Jack Quaid) and Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera) so as to uncover the truth. 

Others to round out the cast are Mary Shelton as Deputy Judy Hicks, Wes' mom, Mikey Madison as Amber Freeman, Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin, Chad's sister, Sonia Ammar as Liv McKenzie, Kyle Gallner as Vince Schneider and Chester Tam as Deputy Vinson.

This was intensely directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett ("It Came from Hollywood" (documentary) '98, "The Devil's Due" '14, "Southbound" (segments, "The Way In" and "The Way Out") '15, "Ready or Not" '19) plus shorts and TV. With the exception of the documentary which was Olpin's, this is obviously a directing team which works well for them. They simply were able to bring life to this new generation of characters from this small town. It was effectively written well by veteran James Vanderbilt ("Darkness Falls" '03, "Basic" '03, "The Rundown" '03, "Zodiac" '07, "The Losers" '10, "The Amazing Spider-Man" '12, "White House Down" '13, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (screen story) '14, "Truth" '15, "Independence Day: Resurgence" '16, "Murder Mystery" '19) and Guy Busick (Ready or Not '19) plus TV, based on characters created by Kevin Williamson. Certainly the way this script was treated by parodying a parody was really the only route this franchise could've gone and be as fresh as it was, especially since the parody aspect is what actually made the original. Other than a couple of areas where some things would've ever happened due to the lack of reality, this script was well thought out, especially it's ability to be intertwined with the plot of the original. And there were a couple of very small places of inconsistencies, but the fact that the audience is taken down the 'whodunnit' road, makes this story captivating and the nail biter it is. 

If you are a true fan of this franchise, you will enjoy yourself immensely, however, even if you're not, who doesn't like a whodunnit anyway? And seeing some of the original crew, i.e. Campbell, Cox and Arquette was a great walk down memory lane. If you would like to see it up, close and personal, it's also presented in an IMAX format as well.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                              Rated: R                                                     114mins.