Scream 4

  I saw this movie with a boy I was completely in love with. He did not share those feelings for me (don’t worry, things worked out for me). It was the first time I saw a Scream film in the theatre, the other time being just over a month ago when I got to see the original for its 25th Anniversary rerelease. It was such a special experience that I’ll forever treasure.

Scream 4 was written by Kevin Williamson (Scream) and directed by Wes Craven (Scream) and was released on April 15th, 2011. Scream 4 was made on a budget of $40 million, made $18,692,090 upon opening, and went on to make $97,231420 worldwide, making it the lowest grossing in the franchise. It received mixed reviews upon release, though in recent years critical reception has been more positive even amongst initial detractors. 

Set fifteen years after the original Woodsboro Massacre, Sidney (Neve Campbell, Scream) returns home to promote the release of her memoir only to find yet another copycat killer. She teams up with Dewey (David Arquette, Scream) and Gale (Courtney Cox, Scream), as well as her niece Jill (Emma Roberts, American Horror Story) to unmask the new Ghostface.

Despite what a lot of critics were saying at the time, Scream 4 is a welcome return to form for the franchise. The return of Williamson to the writer’s chair is most welcome and his signature voice shines from the start of the film’s inventive opening sequence (my favorite in the franchise after the original) to the film’s party faux-climax and then to the actual hospital climax.

The new cast is fun and engaging, particularly Hayden Panetierre’s (Heroes) Kirby, but the film wisely doesn’t let them outshine the original trio, with all of the obvious of “replacement” characters not reaching the end credits save for Deputy Judy Hicks (Marley Shelton, The Sandlot) of lemon squares that taste like ass fame. As Sidney reminds Jill: “don’t fuck with the original”.

As our killer, Jill is a great reveal. While at the time casting Emma Roberts as the killer was a massive shock, this role marked a turning point in her career that makes it easy to predict her as the killer from a modern perspective. Back in 2011 though? It was truly shocking and her motive has only gotten more relevant as the years have gone on.

Scream 4 returns the franchise to its roots with biting wit and a satisfying next chapter for our core trio. If Scream (2022) can capture the same magic on display here, I will be very happy.

Rating: 4.5 live webcast murders out of 5

Other Observations:

• Does the Dog Die? Nope!

• Harrison’s Favorite Scare: Jill’s self-mutilation. So intense.

• This film has a weird Instagram filter sheen that I really dislike.

Next Week: Stepping outside of horror for a week with V for Vendetta.