With Scream VI now playing in theaters, we thought it would be fun to look back at Wes Craven’s masterpiece Scream series.
The series doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so if you’re new to the franchise or want to brush up on your knowledge of this long-running series, check out the Scream movies rated below and then let us know what Scream Download the movie adrenaline.
6) Scream 4 (2011)
There was a point Scream 4 where I was ready to declare the third sequel the best of the bunch – and a killer piece of cinema that uses modern media as its ultimate weapon. Unfortunately, Wes Craven and returning writer Kevin Williamson opt for a happy ending that allows the original team to live to see another day.
In truth, the picture should have ended with Emma Roberts’ infamous killer, Jill Roberts, riding off into the sunset as a twisted version of Sidney Prescott after manipulating the news media into her own manufactured hero trip to design. Think about the ramifications of her actions – would she be haunted by the murders she committed? Would she regret setting herself up as a target for future Ghostface villains? Would she finally come clean with her sordid story?
Scream 4 a terrible end was necessary to survive. Unfortunately, despite good kills and great performances from the likes of Hayden Panettiere and Rory Culkin, the fourth entry is little more than another chapter in a franchise stuck on autopilot.
5) Scream VI (2023)
Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin return for the sixth entry and… bring something new to the franchise. Gone is the subtle meta-humor that defined Wes Craven’s original horror, replaced by gratuitous violence, a darker tone, and an assortment of cardboard characters that paled in comparison to the original troupe. There are plenty of set pieces, but none of them are particularly memorable, and the big reveal is about as predictable as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Of course, this is just a remake of Scream 2. There are some interesting ideas with this dour campaign, especially the connection between Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) which is still boiling under the surface. Such ideas must be at the center of the stage if this franchise hopes to continue.
4) Scream (2022)
Surprisingly, Scream, the requel, manages to shock and awe without bringing much new to the table other than a more somber tone. While the kills are sharper and weirder than ever, the jokes are less common; even Dewey, our resident goofball, replaces the twinkle in his eye with a more tired look that somehow makes the character less interesting.
More criminally, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick bring Sidney back for more Ghostface mayhem but don’t give her anything to do. The character feels shoehorned into the plot because someone somewhere didn’t think audiences would turn up for more Scream if they didn’t see Neve Campbell on the poster. To be fair, the talented actress does her best with a big cameo, but she can’t overcome the limitations of the script. Her performance with this version of Ghostface feels even more compelling than the last one, which mocks the character’s journey in the original trilogy.
Wickedness aside, Scream 2022 still offers enough blood and mayhem to keep your attention. The young cast, led by Melissa Barrera (as Billy Loomis’ daughter), Jenna Ortega, and Jack Quaid, handle the material well, and the script at least includes a few new ideas. is worthy of enthusiasm for the sequel. At this point, there’s only so much more you can do with this franchise, and credit to everyone involved for at least coming up with a plausible reason to kill Ghostface – again.
3) Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s original shocker still delights in a clever slice of ’90s pop culture, but too often it looks and feels like a made-for-TV thriller starring 20-year-olds as highly attractive high schoolers. school The action is not without meaning, Craven leads wonderfully; while the cinematography covers the horror in warm scenes that are more suitable for a romantic comedy.
In other words, you can tell that no one involved had any idea how successful it was Scream would come to an end. And yet, much of that success lies in Kevin Williamson’s brilliant screenplay (and that terrific opening scene with Drew Barrymore), which pokes fun at the slasher genre without going too far. far from the formula. At one point, two characters literally scream at a security monitor as if they were watching Halloween. It’s really good.
However, after my most recent repetition, I found myself depressed Scream’s overall design, its one-note characters, and the long ending. I still respect the original for its freshness but I feel like parts two and three stepped up Scream much better concept.
2) Scream 3 (2000)
I do not send Scream 3 up here just to stir up controversy. I think this is a great slasher movie that will somehow remake them. Scream formula into something, ah, necessary. Sure, you get the usual mix of sadistic killings and shocking twists and turns, but Wes Craven and screenwriter Ehren Kruger aim a little higher with their trio and take a stab at Hollywood’s crazy underworld; explores a world full of sleazy producers who spend far too much time preying on young actresses aiming for stardom. In one way or another this all connects to Sidney, and these results may surprise you.
Also, where the first two films were very much products of the late 90s, Scream 3 feels more timeless with less focus on tongue-in-cheek meta-narrative and more emphasis on character and story. Also welcome is Parker Posey, who absolutely scorns her cult character Gale Weathers and gives a performance that will make you wish she’d stuck around a little longer.
I only saw Scream 3 a handful of times, but each view always leaves me satisfied. I also think Sidney’s arc should have stopped here, as the picture gives her some much needed closure. Ditto for Dewey and Gale, who are enjoying their happily ever after far away from Ghostface’s relentless reign.
Unfortunately, the powers that be could not resist and simply eliminate our rag-tag team for more series that undermine their personal journeys.
1) Scream 2 (1997)
Where Scream It was a new cinematic exercise that somehow turned into a fun film, Scream 2 takes the established concept and completely knocks it out of the park. With a bigger budget at hand, Wes Craven delivers a bolder, bloodier and more stylish series with shocking revelations, gruesome kills, and a great series of thrills that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
This is the movie Scream wants to be.
Everyone brings their A-game, especially Neve Campbell, who sends more tracks to Sidney, turning her from a run-of-the-mill scream queen into a real person. Courtney Cox and David Arquette execute the Gale/Dewey romance with aplomb, while newcomers Sarah Michelle Gellar, Timothy Olyphant, and Jerry O’Connell make an impact in smaller supporting roles.
Yeah, the third act again goes on a little too long and the big reveal causes more eye rolls than gasps, but Scream 2 moves along with such confidence and refined self-awareness that it’s easy to overlook his flaws. From the brilliant opening scene with Jada Pickett and Omar Epps to the wild confrontation with Ghostface at the climax, Scream 2 dazzles with its whip-smart dialogue and oh-so-clever jabs at pop culture (especially sequels). It is a riot.
