Scream 4

2011, 15, Directed by Wes Craven

Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Emma Roberts

1996 saw Wes Craven mould his love of the slasher movie into an all-knowing modern classic that followed the text book but still provided shocks. Its sequel followed a year later packing enough jumps and standout set-pieces to be a worthy adversary to the original. The completion of the trilogy in 2000 may have sapped in originality, but managed to achieve something rarely seen: a truly enjoyable horror trilogy. Ending it there seemed to be the right move, all things considered: Scream 1 and 2 scriptwriter Kevin Williamson had quit whilst ahead, not content with just forming a retread of previous successes. Flashforward 11 years later and let me introduce to you Scream 4, the completely unnecessary but hugely watchable franchise-entry; its Ghostface for the YouTube generation. Campbell, Arquette and Cox all return to Woodsboro for the release of Sidney’s book based on her (scarily regular) dice with death, only to find yet another masked murderer targeting the highschool friends of her niece, Jill Roberts (played by Emma Roberts AKA Julia's niece).

In typical Scream fashion, the opening scene embeds in the memory, this time around focusing on establishing Screa4m as zanily tongue-in-cheek; something not to be taken seriously, but not to underestimate either. Seeing Sidney, Dewey and Gale back on the big screen is an oddly pleasant feeling and – although irrationality overrules – you root for them, no matter what. Supporting characters help things move along nicely too, namely Hayden Panettiere’s feisty Kirby. Not only is the gore-factor upped (note the 15 certificate), but the comedic one too. Arguably the funniest entry thus far, Scre4m also boasts the most leftfield shocking climax too. What makes the film feel whole though is how the continuity from the original trilogy extends the authenticity of the universe (the film club at Woodsboro hold an annual Stab-a-thon), as well as our universe (when told she is going to be watching Saw IV, a female character tells her friend she cannot stand torture porn – she may as well be Craven in a wig). It is very easy to dismiss Scre4m as just another flimsy sequel, but this is anything but; the world may not have been screaming out for another, but with any luck, you will be after viewing this.

3.5/5

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Scream 3

2000, 18, Directed by Wes Craven

Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox Arquette, Patrick Dempsey

More of the same in this third outing which sees Campbell, Arquette and Cox back to nettle yet another incarnation of the iconic Ghostface killer, who this time around sets his sights on the cast of Stab 3, forcing Sidney from isolation. As far as Part 3’s go, this is a damn good attempt, staying in tune with the original and its sequel whilst adding its own fresh layer to the fore. The scare factor is noticeably reduces, but the aptly named Ehren Kruger’s script – whilst not as tongue-sharp as previous writer Kevin Williamson’s – manages to be smart enough for its own good at the best of times; additionally, Craven deftly and skilfully shoots inspired set-pieces (Sidney being hunted within the Hollywood set of her own home from the original Scream). What is lacking however are the number of engaging characters previously killed off (one of who returns in a nice touch), but the returning cast are always a welcome presence. It is usually rare for a horror franchise to still shock third time around, but that Scream 3 does after putting everyone possible into the spotlight for killer. The Scream films extend themselves from the horror and the spoofing of its own conventions to become avariation of the classic ‘whodunit’ plot. Talk of this film completing the trilogy within the film does cause an eye roll knowing that Craven’s Scream 4 – released a whole 11 years later – hit cinemas a few weeks back. However, a poignant, yet unnerving ending may leave you screaming for more.

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