The new Scream movie has horror fans split down the middle. So, I guess it’s time to put my two cents in, seeing that the movie is headed to home release.
The fifth movie of the franchise, set 25 years after the original murders, kicks off with a scene that pays straight homage to the original film’s opening scene, you know the one, with Drew Barrymore? This time the young woman on the phone with a killer is Tara, played by Jenna Ortega. After she survives an attack from Ghostface she is put in the hospital and her older sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) rushes back to see her after being gone for five years, only to find that Ghostface is hellbent on killing them both.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scream movie without franchise stars Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette. The new cast includes Jack Quaid and Marley Shelton. To be honest, I don’t have any complaints about the acting. Ortega and Barrera both gave impressive performances.
I might as well just say it, Dewey’s death was stupid and pointless. Dewey has survived being stabbed nine-time throughout the franchise, but dies at the hands of a small teenage girl that he shot four times? Yeah, that makes sense (*insert eye roll). And did she have super strength? It would take a lot of strength to gut a man like that. I can’t help but wonder why the writers (James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick, Kevin Williamson) turned Dewey into a pathetic, sad, alcoholic. He, and the fans, deserved better. One thing is for sure though, Arquette did an absolutely amazing job, the best performance of the entire film.
There’s one thing that Scream (2022) lacks, the humor that we’ve seen in previous installments. This movie is itself very seriously. Don’t get me wrong, it does make a few jokes. The franchise is known for its satire when it comes to the horror genre. We don’t get that with this one.
The movie incorporates something that the franchise hasn’t before, delusions/visions. Sam is guided through the movie by visions of her dead dad, the original Ghostface, Billy Loomis, which Skeet Ulrich returns as. It’s an interesting idea that has the potential to lead the franchise in a new direction. The Loomis twist was a nice touch and it’s a good connection that links the movie with the original.
I should mention that the Blu-ray and DVD come with a lot of special features, including deleted scenes and featurettes with the cast, writers, and the director, videos that take you behind the scenes to witness the making of the movie, discussions about the franchise’s legacy and its influence on the genre as well as pop culture. It’s worth owning the movie just for the special features alone.
While the movie has its issues, it is what it is, a slasher flick, and a mostly good addition to the franchise. As far as action goes, there’s plenty. Kills, there’s a bunch, and there are more than a couple of fake-outs that will keep you on your toes. If you’re looking for elevated horror, this isn’t it, but if you’re just looking to watch a flick with some good slasher action, this one is for you. Pick up your copy on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on April 5, 2022, from Paramount Home Entertainment. In addition, fans can own both the new 2022 movie and the original 1996 hit in a Scream 2-Movie Collection on 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray.
