Scream 4 4K 2011

Yesterday I attended a preview screening of Wes Craven’s new film, "Scream 4". I’ve been waiting for this movie for a very long time, as I’m a huge fan of the first three installments, and despite all the skepticism from critics, fans of the franchise, and general audiences, I’ve been eager to see this horror film ever since it was first mentioned. And after watching it yesterday, I realized that my wait was worth it. Let me explain why.

The creators of this film not only managed to maintain the high standard set by the first installments, but also raised it to the proper level after the weak third installment. The first installment was the scariest and most unsettling, the second more dramatic (the scene where Dewey is attacked in front of Gale is brilliantly crafted and performed). The third installment, however, was more of a parody of itself, and it actually turned out to be very funny (Jay and Silent Bob’s cameo is simply fantastic), but by no means scary or creepy. It was even more nonsensical—the characters suddenly started doing some idiotic things, and the final twist at the end is just plain terrible. In many ways, the blame lay not with the director, but with the new screenwriter. But I thank everyone in the world, I thank the global financial crisis, which is why people took on this project, for the fact that the screenwriter of the first two parts returned, got our beloved director Wes Craven on board, and together they created a magnificent, originally unplanned sequel to the famous trilogy.

I hardly noticed any flaws in the script. The opening is one of the best in a very long time (it knocked the audience off their feet), the action is intense, and the conversations and discussions about movies—which have become an essential part of *Scream* and help solve the crimes—are still there. And as for the climax… I give it a standing ovation! The only thing that confused me was the absence of Dewey’s arm injury and limp. Not only that, but here he was running to the rescue without any signs of past injuries! I consider this a slip-up either by the screenwriter, who forgot his previous work, or by David Arquette, who, again, forgot his character’s traits. But I don’t consider this a major problem—you’ll stop noticing it ten seconds after Dewey appears on screen. And you might remember it for another ten seconds when he charges headlong…

The tension in the action isn’t always palpable; sometimes, instead of properly scaring the audience, Kevin Williamson (the screenwriter) tries to crack a joke. Although why “tries”—he jokes, and he jokes brilliantly (take, for example, the line in the title—those are the dying cop’s last words on a subject that would take too long to explain), but we came to see a horror movie, so do give us a scare! But I have to say, sometimes the filmmakers do remember that they’re not making *The Hangover* and they really do scare us—so much so that the whole row of us jumps unexpectedly at the same time. And it’s not about the standard “boo” moments, when someone suddenly pops out from behind a door or something like that, though there are plenty of those here—it’s just that sometimes it’s all about the atmosphere, the acting, and the masterful direction.

As for the directing itself, Wes Craven is Wes Craven—he won’t let you get bored. Although he doesn’t seem to have brought any new techniques to the film—there’s just more blood on screen, but otherwise nothing has changed.

The actors perform well, both the old and the new ones. It’s just sad to see Cox, Campbell, and Arquette looking so much older. I wish they’d star together in something else, but I don’t think it’s meant to be, unless they make “Scream 5”… As for the younger generation, I’ll just say that none of them let the side down—they die beautifully, scream loudly, run fast, and generally behave just like our trio in the first movie.

In short, my verdict is this: If you’re a die-hard “Scream” fan, if you love horror movies, if you know a lot about horror movies, if you love mysteries, if you like the white mask, and if, like some of the movie’s characters, you think “Saw” is torture porn rather than a movie, then I highly recommend you watch this film. I assure you, the killer is on the loose, and he’s prowling in search of a new victim—and he’ll stop at nothing!