Film review: Scream (18)

Bringing back beloved film franchises has been a bit of trend in recent years, with varying results.

You only have to look at Star Wars, The Matrix and Ghostbusters to see that bringing back iconic characters resonates with their fans; and now it’s time for Scream to get that treatment.

If (like me) you enjoyed Wes Craven’s popular 1996 slasher and the three subsequent sequels, I’m pleased to say that this fifth slice of Ghostface action will be very much your cup of tea.

With the legacy characters used respectfully and playing strong supporting roles, it allows directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett to introduce a new generation of Woodsboro teens into the mix to great effect.

For those of you who know your Star Wars, this is very much like The Force Awakens in that regard, with the legacy characters in the firing line as well as the fresh faces. And, as you’d expect, the identity of the killer is hard to predict throughout.

For those who are looking at Scream with fresh eyes, the above-mentioned Ghostface is a mask that killers – who always wield a knife – wear in the series.

They terrorised Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and the people of Woodsboro in the originals, to brutal effect.

The plot is a familiar one and starts with an homage to the famous Drew Barrymore scene in the original and introduces us to Jenna Ortega’s Tara Carpenter.

It’s a great scene, but also highlights why this film carries an 18 rating, with Ghostface more brutal then ever before.

This incident brings the central character into play, as Tara’s sister Sam (Melissa Barrera) returns to town in the aftermath. She’s got a chequered past and has links to a past character in the franchise, making her story an intriguing one.

Her boyfriend Richie (Jack Quaid) also plays a sizeable role as somebody who has never been to Woodsboro – so Tara’s friends give him a catch up on what he can expect to see happen in ‘stab city’.

Wes (Dylan Minnette), Sonia (Liv McKenzie), Amber (Mikey Madison), Jasmin (Mindy Meeks-Martin) and Mason (Chad Meeks-Martin), in a very self-aware manner, enjoy a scene where they explain the ‘rules’ of a Scream film, which is both fun and nostalgic (we miss you Randy).

All play large roles and will be on your list as potential Ghostface candidates for various reasons.

As for the legacy characters, David Arquette’s Dewey gets perhaps the most screentime. He’s something of a tortured soul, but his presence is a welcome one.

Likewise, Courtney Cox’s Gale Weathers enjoys some enjoyable moments and is used in the way you’d expect.

Obviously, Sidney is the biggest deal of the three and it’s great to see Campbell back on the big screen.

Of course, Scream won’t be for everyone and does exist in a universe where the characters have the unique ability to be able to shrug off horrific stab wounds.

But its trademark blend of horror and humour remain – and you get the sense that the late, great Craven would very much approve.

Voice Verdict: 8.5/10 (reviewed at Boston Savoy)
+ Great blend of new and old characters
+ More brutal than ever before
+ Plot links back to original
+ Best Scream since 1996

SHOWTIMES
Boston Savoy (Friday, Jan 21 to Thursday, Jan 27)

BELFAST (12A)
10.30am (Sat/Sun), 1pm (Sat/Sun/Wed), 3.30pm (daily), 6pm (daily), 8.30pm (not Thu), 8.40pm (Thu)

NIGHTMARE ALLEY (15)
1.30pm (Sat/Sun/Wed), 5pm (daily), 8.10pm (daily)

SCREAM (18)
3.15pm (not Sat/Sun), 6pm (daily), 8.40pm (daily)

SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME (12A)
10.30am (Sat/Sun), 12.15pm (Sat/Sun/Wed), 2pm (Sat/Sun), 3.45pm (Thu), 4pm (not Thu), 5.40pm (daily), 7.30pm (not Thu), 8.15pm (Thu)

THE KING’S MAN (15)
3pm (not Sat/Sun), 8.45pm (not Mon/Thu)

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG (PG)
10am (Sat), 12.30pm (Sun), 3pm (Sat)

ENCANTO (PG)
9.45am (Sat/Sun)

SUBTITLED SHOWING BELFAST (12A)
8.45pm (Mon)

KIDS’ CLUB
THE PAW PATROL MOVIE (U)
10.15am (Sat/Sun)

SUPPORTIVE SCREENING
THE PAW PATROL MOVIE (U)
10am (Sun)

SILVER SCREEN
THE KING’S MAN (15)
11.30am (Wed)

South Holland Centre
(Friday, Jan 21 to Thurs, Jan 27)

SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME (12A)
2pm (Fri/Sun/Wed), 7.30pm (Fri/Sun)

LAMB (15)
7.30pm (Wed)

THE MATRIX: RESURRECTIONS (15)
2pm (Thurs)