Scream 4 Review

Scream 4 Review

Cast: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, Adam Brody, Mary McDonnell, Marley Shelton, Nico Tortorella, Marielle Jaffe, Kristen Bell, Anna Paquin, Lucy Hale, Shenae Grimes, Aimee Teegarden, Brittany Robertson
Director: Wes Craven
Genre: Thriller, Horror

Synopsis: In Scream 4, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (played by Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.

Release Date: April 14, 2011
Website: www.scream4movie.com.au


Verdict: The much anticipated film release of Scream 4 does not disappoint. It is bloodier than ever and packs many shock moments into the forth film of the series. If you have watched the rest of the Scream films, you will find that this follows nicely in line and is a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Wes Craven has produced a far better sequel than Scream 3 and has also modernised the film well.

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is now an author of a self-help book and has returned home to Woodsboro as part of her book tour. She is reacquainted with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courteney Cox). With her return, copycat murders start happening at the high school amongst its current students.

The film in some aspects is also a satirical black comedy. It pokes fun of itself and has remnants of 'Scary Movie' which had previously spoofed the Scream films.

All your favourite characters from the previous films, along-side new characters played by well-known young actors (Anna Panquin and Kirsten Bell) are given time their own memorable scenes. The acting and characterisation is great and it is through this that you are sucked into the film and want to know what happens next.

Apart from the added gore, there isn't a lot that sets this film aside from the rest of the sequels. The acting is good, and the storyline is suspenseful, but most of all the film benefits from its humour and satire. This film is definitely worth a watch for fans of the previously films and also for those who are lovers of slasher films and horror in general. Just remember that it is more of a black comedy rather than a straight horror film, and you will also be in for a few laughs.
Rating: ****
-Alicia Taylor.