1551 - Scream 4

I was in high school when the original film came out, and it was one that I revisited over and over.  It's a really damn good, smart film - and even though I knew everything that was coming - I dug it.  There's a fun irony to some of the characters in this film having the same affection for the original "Stab" film. 
So I'll try to keep this spoiler free, but I'll give you a heads up if I feel like it's going to veer into that category.  So this series took a much needed break after the disaster that was Scream 3, besides just being a return to the original local, this one is smart by taking us back to basics.  The film has a pretty damn great opening and has a lot of fun with it's self aware meta-attitude - one might worry from this opening that the film might entirely be about this - but luckily the commentary about films, horrors, remakes, sequels, etc... are used sparingly and it isn't a case of overkill.  To add to the pros column (which, by the way, I think it stacked high enough to recommend this film), is a really well done ending - which, let's face it, is what this series is all about - the reveal!  And as good as it was, this also leads us into the cons conversation - which will probably contains some form of spoiler - but I won't be specific.
First off, this is the kind of film where it's designed for everyone to be a red herring, so anyone walking away saying that they figured out who the killer (or killers) are is, I'm sure in some way telling the truth, but I'm sure no one walked away declaring it as being obvious.  It's not a shocker by any means, and as interesting as it was, it's not the most original idea for this series - and not in a self mocking way - they're actually repeating themself in kind of an annoying way - but I'll let it slide since it ties in so nicely and, in a way, brings the series full circle.  I suppose that the biggest problem I had was that I barely got involved in the characters - Kirby was probably the only character that I really got behind (Hayden Panettiere was great).  We didn't really follow them along the way we did in the other series and so it was hard to connect, and therefore, hard to care about them - so by default I cared about our original core cast - but never for a moment felt like they were in danger - even when they were attacked.
So to summarize - I liked it - it was pretty decent, and probably the second best of the series (the original still being the best) although I'm not sure anything beats the scene in the second film where Sydney has to get herself out of the back of a police car.
If you're a fan of the original series you'll probably see this anyway - if you're new then at least go back and watch the original film first.  Enjoy!

1487- Scream 3

It's been a long time since I've watched these films and I don't think I ever watched them back to back like this. The Scream series has always had a bit of a meta-vibe to it, it's part of it's charm - this time it goes whole hog with it. In the second film we're introduced to this idea of a film based on the events of the original film, called "Stab", and it's very clear that they're having fun with the idea of bad movies. The problem with this third outing is that there's a pretty fine line between the bad film-within-a-film and the film itself.
This film was almost destined to be a bit flawed - coming off the heels of two pretty damn good films and with the pressure to make it bigger, fresher, but at the same time keep it secret and have a big twist. Outside of the fact that I don't feel like the tone and characters were right, it's hard to blame Ehren Krugar (taking over for Kevin Williamson in this film as screenwriter). I'm more apt to blame Craven who should know better. The whole thing feels a bit... silly.
It's not hard to see why everyone was willing to return for a fourth (well thought out sequel) given the quality, or lack-thereof, of this installment. If you're a completest then you'll probably want to see this one as well, but do so only if that's the reason - otherwise it's a bit of a let down.

1486 - Scream 2

Scream double bill! I'll round off the trilogy with the third film tomorrow evening. But now for this one. I never rewatched this film the way that I did the first - however I have seen it a few times. As I get older I, naturally, re-watch films less and less, unless they are particularly inspiring to me - and the Scream franchise fits into that category.
First off, it was fun noticing some of the smaller parts who are now bigger stars - Portia De Rossi, Luke Wilson, etc... Timothy Olyphant has obviously grown into something quite interesting. Here he does the best with what he's given, although ***SPOILER ALERT*** I think he becomes a bit of a cliche in the end - which is too bad 'cause I really like him as an actor.
I think what this installment of the series does is do really wonderful things with the arcs of both Sidney and Gale (not to mention that both Cox and Campbell are looking particularly beautiful here). Gale having to overcome her own ego and legitimately care for others by the end, and Sidney having to deal with the fact that he life is not going to be normal.
This series is a lot of fun. I look forward to re-watching number three (probably tomorrow) and then the new installment in the spring.

1485 - Scream

Even though the newest Scream film is several months away I've decided to revisit this series in preparation for something I'm working on. It's hard to believe that we're zoning in on the 15th anniversary of this film. I remember when it first came out, how awesome it was the first time I'd seen it and how well it did (and still does) stand up over repeat viewings. In a lot of ways this is the Cadillac of teen-slasher-comedy films.
I question the logic of some of it now that I'm watching it with more critical eyes, but I can let some stuff slide for pure entertainment. The entire cast of this film is near perfect and I'm surprised that the majority of them haven't gone on to higher profile careers, funny how that sort of stuff works out - that isn't to say that they don't all have good careers. Okay. I'm going to stop talking now.
The entire third act of this film is pretty much pitch perfect, and the Drew Barrymore opening sequence sets the entire tone of the film up perfectly. Not easy to do. The simplicity of this film is something well-worth keeping in mind, just keep it fun, keep the tension going when needed.
If you've never seen this film and you're in any way, shape, or form a fan of great, fun horror films - get thee to a video store.