I just recently wrote a review addressing how studios often squeeze and milk movie franchises for more dollars. And on the surface, the idea of releasing another Scream movie would seem to be just that–another attempt at pressing money out of a dedicated fan base that wants more of what entertains and amuses them. Now, while the studio definitely wants the big dollars from the new film, the movie itself proves to offer audiences more than the usual sequel fodder. That is because the filmmakers behind this latest installment actually have something intelligent something to say about movie franchises and the fandom which can often cause problems with creativity and art.
This new installment in the Scream saga targets both studios and fans, and holds them responsible for the products to which Hollywood often subjects its consumers. This combination of demand and supply is what often destroys what is often imaginative and genuinely exceptional. And that is exactly what the creative filmmakers behind Scream (2022) hope to skewer with this enjoyable and gloriously gory horror slasher.
Within the world of Scream/Stab, the events of the previous movies have inspired a successful and popular film franchise that has both enchanted and polarized fans of all kinds. In this modern setting, which takes place twenty-five years after the events of the first movie, teenager Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) experiences a similar scenario to the opening sequence of the first movie. She is alone and receives a phone call from a mysterious, but alluring man who seems to know a lot about horror cinema.
Well, as is expected, things go south quickly, but in this case, Tara is not actually killed by a Ghostface Killer. The attack brings her estranged sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) back into town. She is is concerned that this incident is the beginning of yet another string of murders in the town of Woodsboro. After returning to her hometown and surviving another attack, she and her sister’s friends realize that these attacks will not cease any time soon. Desperate to stop the killings, Sam decides to consult the people connected with the events of the very first movie.
Written by James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick and directed by Matt Bettnelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Scream is an appropriately awesome installment that delivers sharp commentary about Hollywood movie franchises and the toxic fandom that often taints the quality of cinema. This movie is, perhaps, the most self-aware entry in the franchise that pulls no punches when it comes to its satire or its violence and horror. In addition to the smartly written screenplay, the movie delivers thrills, tension and visceral kills galore.
The movie features a solid cast of new cast members and returning favorites who perform beautifully, as if they actually live in this world. As far as the new talents are concerned, I was impressed with Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, and Jack Quaid. It is also a great pleasure to see Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette reprise their roles from previous installments.
It is a bit ironic that I believe that fans of this franchise will love this new movie. However, maybe that is a testament to them. I know there is toxic fandom within all movie franchises, but I truly believe that the intelligent ones who love Scream will appreciate what this movie has to say about the negative side of fandom and the business side of cinema.