Here’s my review of “Scream 4” from KTKA-49.
It’s been 11 years since Wes Craven made a “Scream” movie, and in “Scream 4,” he pokes more fun at horror conventions, updating the jabs to include the “Saw” series, among other things. Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell) returns home on the 15th anniversary of the killings in the first film, but—like “Saw”—the “Stab” series of movies based on her story is on its seventh film.
Unfortunately, “Scream 4” flails in all kinds of directions and never finds solid footing anywhere. It almost has a good idea in one of its characters’ omnipresent webcam, but—in a wasted opportunity— that theme is barely explored.
It’s not very funny, it’s not very scary, and its critiques of other horror franchises ring false because it’s become what it’s making fun of. For a while, it tries to take Sidney’s situation seriously, but when the body count piles up to an insane level, it’s impossible to maintain any sort of actual drama.
“Scream 4” is what happens when a movie series that’s stuffed so full of red herrings, movie references, and meta musings about its own plot finally collapses under the weight of its own ridiculousness.
Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers.com and writes the Screen Stealers column for The Pitch. He’s President of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls and Ultimate Fakebook. He is also Air Guitar World Champion Mean Melin. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:
