By Lance White
Back in 1996, “Scream” satirized slasher film conventions. A year later, “Scream 2” satirized horror sequels, and “Scream 3” satirized film trilogies at the turn of the century. Now with “Scream 4,” director Wes Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson return with their self-aware franchise after a decade-long absence.
This time around, a ghost-faced killer wields a sharp knife and a smartphone, and is hell-bent on wreaking havoc in the small town of Woodsboro. And there is a whole new generation of victims to slice and dice, including Emma Roberts, Anna Paquin, Hayden Panettiere, Kristen Bell, Adam Brody and Rory Culkin. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette are also back, reprising their roles from the “Scream” trilogy.
“Scream 4” acts as a remake and sequel all rolled into one. Since the last “Scream,” the movie industry has continually produced remakes, torture porn and Asian ghost girl films. In its satire, “Scream 4” takes no prisoners. The film specifically calls out the shortcomings of horror movies like “Saw IV,” when one of the characters says that “Saw IV” is ,“not scary — it’s gross. I hate all that torture porn s***.” In another scene, the killer tells his victim he will spare her friend if she can name the remake of a certain horror film. The victim, a horror fanatic, lists off countless horror remakes until she is out of breath. This scene comments on Hollywood’s tireless love of remaking classic films.
To keep “Scream 4” fresh and modern, Craven and Williamson work today’s technological world of social media, webcams and smartphones into the narrative thread. But who is the killer this time around? Without giving away any spoilers, “Scream 4” starts off with a bang. The clever and hilarious opening scene will have audiences roaring with laughter. It sets the tone for the rest of the film, because this “Scream” is witty, thrilling and funny throughout. And, never too scary.
