'Scream 4'

'Scream 4' (R) (2 stars)

Writer: Kevin Williamson
Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin,
Allison Brie, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, Marley Shelton, Anna Pacquin,
Kristen Bell, Mary McDonnell, Amy Teagarden

The "Scream" franchise re-energized the horror genre while lightly teasing it. The screenwriter Kevin Williamson actually wrote a smart movie that knew the horror genre well. It also generated some scares and was entertaining but at some point after four movies it is going to get old. "Scream 4" is supposed to be new decade, new rules but I didn't see anything fresh here. The movie goes through the same things that the other three have just now the thrill has gone away.

"Scream 4" starts out with a brilliant, funny and exciting ten minute pre credit sequence. The problem is the movie in no way will have anything that is equal to that opening thrill. The movie starts out hot with that sequence and makes some excellent points about horror movie sequels and remakes. I like the energy of the picture all the way through but I started to feel numb and tired by the last half hour. I also think, except for some funny things to say about remakes, "Scream 4" is just recycled material from the other sequels.

All our favorite characters are back including Sidney, Gale, Dewey and Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette all do wonderful jobs. I also like the many additional characters including two that were very solidly acted by Emma Roberts and Rory Culkin. The pre credit sequence is awesome and especially when Anna Paquin and Kristen Bell are involved. The movie is very well directed by Wes Craven and I had fun for a while.

Now why can't I recommend "Scream 4"? This movie is pretty much critic proof, Scream fans will either dig this or find it the same old stuff. I would rather let the Scream community decide if the movie is any good or worth seeing. All I can tell you is I liked the fun but slightly over rated original. I really liked the under rated "Scream 2" and didn't care for the third one like a lot of viewers didn't. "Scream 4" is way better than the third movie, for the opening sequence alone, but not nearly as good as the first two "Screams". "Scream 4" at some point becomes it's own parody and it starts doing things that the original "Scream" would have made fun of. The movie gets two stars from me but to all you "Scream" fans I leave the rating open.