It has been 11 years since Ghostface first terrified audiences on the big screen. The resurrection of the ""Scream"" franchise has been a source of anticipation and excitement for fans ever since the announcement of the new film. ""Scream 4"" marks the start of what is set to be the second trilogy of ""Scream.""
Enter Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who is returning to her hometown of Woodsboro as part of a tour to promote her new book. The day of her return also marks the fifteenth anniversary of the first murders by the knife-wielding killer in the original film.
Throughout the first three ""Scream"" films, Sidney has been the main target of Ghostface's attention. But as the murders start to happen again, they seem to be revolving around the friends of her cousin (Emma Roberts), whom Sidney has been staying with while in town. Former and now married friends Dewey (David Arquette) and Gale (Courteney Cox) return to reprise their roles as the only other returning characters in the new film. The characters scramble to try and survive and figure out Ghostface's identity before they become the next victim.
One thing essential to a ""Scream"" film is a good intro killing sequence. They have all included a well-thought out setting along with unique situations that initiate suspense, setting the pace for the rest of the movie. However, in this aspect, ""Scream 4"" fails to deliver. There are cameos galore in the opening sequence, as seen in the previous films, but they feel forceed and just don't work. There is the typical movie banter between characters, but it is surrounded by outdated clichés. Although somewhat enjoyable, compared to the great intros of previous ""Scream"" films, this is the worst of the bunch.
Another aspect particular to the ""Scream"" series is the self-reflexive manner the films portray. They always find a way to poke fun at the conventional ""rules"" of horror movies while still capable of scaring. ""Scream 4"" lacks this intelligence. It does not bode well for your movie if a character's last dying words are ""Fuck Bruce Willis!"" The believability factor of the other films is missing in this latest installment.
The ending of a ""Scream"" film is the other crucial element. The killer(s) will normally unmask themselves, explain their purpose and how they will get away with it. ""Scream 4"" tries to put a new spin on this, and it turns out very mediocre. Variation can be great, but it again felt forced and did not feel like a ""Scream"" ending.
When comparing ""Scream 4"" to the original trilogy, it is simply not in the same league. Although it tries very hard to continue what made the previous films special, the traditional traits do not gel with the new storyline. As its own horror film, ""Scream 4"" is a somewhat enjoyable experience with its moments, but it falls short of the expectations placed on a member of the ""Scream"" franchise.
