 |
| Images courtesy Spyglass Media Group |
The Scream franchise lingers on in this newest installment that's a direct sequel to last year's legacy entry. Serving the purpose of its consistent meta intent, Scream VI is another flick in a long line of horror films that somehow rise above the rest despite tired script writing that's still strictly set on repeat.
2023's Scream is another mostly formulaic chapter in the series created by Wes Craven. Unfortunately, his presence is still missed years after his untimely death. Where Wes may have attempted some originality this far into the franchise, Scream VI is a retread of everything they've done with the Ghost Face killer up to this point, including (of course) a conspiracy that features multiple killers paying tribute to all Ghost Faces past.
Many might think the contract dispute with Neve Campbell and her absence from the film would have had a drastic effect on the movie. Fortunately for audiences, her presence is not altogether missed. Some creative writing explains her away, making sure the rest of the cast doesn't miss a step. After all, she can always make a triumphant return in Scream VII or VIII. Other legacy actors like Courteney Cox and Hayden Panettiere make up for Campbell not having a starring or supporting role here. Still, there is a void in the movie that can never be filled. And that's the comic relief of David Arquette. He was the perfect balance to these films. His comedic presence during times of absolute terror is something they can't do without. And it leaves a huge hole in Scream VI that I could walk a dozen horror fans through. Dewey is mentioned many times which makes his prior on screen death all the more tragic to this series going forward.
Where the other Scream movies were violent and featured scenes of gore, this one really ups the ante. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who return from 2022's Scream, go for the gusto with the kills in this movie. This is easily the most brutal of the series and has some of the most creative murders out of the whole bunch. Adding to the positive momentum are the leads played by returning lead stars Jenny Ortega and Melissa Barrera. This feminine powerhouse duo continues to add some fresh blood to a slasher series that really should have died long ago.
Scream VI doesn't go in any new directions and relies heavily on its fandom to give it the positive push it needs. It will satisfy the urge for rabid Scream fans to get another chapter injected into their eyeballs. It's not a franchise high or low. Much like the Saw franchise, it's another long winded horror property that relies on repetition to carry all the weight. So, if Scream is your thing, certainly check it out. If you just want to be entertained by post-teens being sliced and diced, same. This is not a make or break chapter but one that will definitely score them a Scream VII.
-CG