Scream, when originally released, played on a self-referential joke at a time when so many slasher films were entrenched in their “reality.” It became a cult classic due to its ability to bring the audience in on the joke (and the horror). Three films later, Scream has become wrapped up in its own “meta reality,” which is both the best and worst part of the film.

Out of the gates, Scream 4 gets the audience in on the joke. But I won’t say more about the opening sequence except that it nearly tops Drew Barrymore’s now-classic death. From then on, it’s a bit of color-by-numbers Scream edition.

There are the pop culture references, a play on the horror genre (did they really produce seven Stab films? Personally, I’d like to see more of them), the new crop of actors fresh off the CW lot, and the aging set of the original.

Neve Campbell brought some serious ass-kicking to the role of Sidney Prescott. However, every scream queen has to take off her tiara at some point and I think it’s time for her to pass over the reign to a fresh face.

Strongest additions to the franchise: Kirby’s Hayden Panettiere and Robbie’s Erik Knudsen (the film’s possibly sole gay character – a debate best saved for later) and the bitch on heels reminding us that Gale was so 90’s, Alison Brie. Her character was a smart, snap-of-a-bitch that we didn’t get enough of.

The pacing and plot were better than expected for a decade old sequel remake. Though, I kind of hoped for a bit more character development (In a slasher film? I know right!). But in a world of Twitter, I can’t expect too much.

Speaking of status updates, the film’s attempt to address the new reality of social media resulted in a great reference to Facebook. But modern society is not just iPhones and live-blogs. We saw what happened in Halloween: Resurrection. No one should ever let Tyra Banks run a blog.     

Resolution has never been the franchise’s strongest point. But I won’t let that ruin a fun ride. If anything, this reboot left the least amount of room for a sequel. And I’m curious to know if it will go beyond that. (And judging by the box office numbers, most likely not.)

The scariest thing about Scream 4? Reminding me I am old and no longer the target demographic of the franchise – the true reality of the film.

ericyumyum:

Ghostface Killer