The Mosley Review: Scream (2022)
Oh how I've missed this type of horror! Sure we've had some fun slashers in the past couple of years, but most were just homages to the OG horror films. To return to a franchise that not only revitalized, re-invented and rebirthed the slasher genre, was a very risky move. I honestly thought there wasn't anywhere else to go after the 4th film in the Scream franchise. Since we lost the Master of Horror Wes Craven, I thought that his last entry was good enough to end it the bloodshed there. Now a new generation of masterminds have taken the blood soaked reigns of the franchise and delivered not only a worthy film, but a tribute to the genius that he was. I would be lying if I didn't believe in this sequel, but right off the bat I was thrust back into the world and I loved every second of it. The kills are the most brutal of all, the humor is fantastic and the brilliance behind the commentary about the state of the horror genre was meta at its finest. In this age of horror, anytime we can get a refresher that still surprises you in an almost every unexpected way and still keeps you on the edge of your seat is a blessing. This has got to be the most interactive slasher film I have ever experienced.
This franchise has always been about the characters and the fresh blood that is brought in to be spilled. Jenna Ortega was excellent as Tara Carpenter and man was she a trooper. As seen in the trailer, she gets put through the ringer in this film and sells it. Melissa Barrera was great as her estranged sister Samantha and loved their strained relationship. At times it felt like a bad soap opera, but it opened the doors to the mystery behind the attacks and why its happening to them. Jack Quad was fun as her awkward and often correct boyfriend Richie. I loved the chemistry between them and I felt the care he had for her. Mikey Madison was good and emo as Amber. She was the more cynical person in the friend group, but good. Dylan Minnette was good as Wes Hicks, the son of Deputy Judy Hicks played once again by the wonderful Marley Shelton. My favorite characters of the film were the twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin played by Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding. Both were fantastic, but Mindy shined the most as she takes on the mantle left behind by their uncle Randy Meeks played by Jamie Kennedy. Sonia Ben Ammar was great as Chad's girlfriend Liv McKenzie.
You can't have a Scream film without the key surviving members. David Arquette once again shines as the heart of the franchise as Dewey Riley. He really takes the lead in this film as the lovable Han Solo type character and this was the best the character has ever been and the most badass he's ever been. Courtney Cox returns as Gale Weathers and she was stunning, graceful and just as awesome. I loved catching up with her and Dewey's relationship and it does get a bit meta. The original Final Girl returns and she is the wisest of them all. Neve Campbell was fun to see and smart as Sidney Prescott and somehow she finds herself back in the action. It was fun to see all of them together again on the hunt to take down Ghostface again. The sadistic, creepy, sexy and intense voice of Ghostface Roger L. Jackson returns. His voice is that perfect amount of menace that enthralls you with ever word spoken and every witty comeback. I love the scenes especially when Ghostface is taken pleasure in the kill and he gets more intimate this time around.
Franchise composer Marco Beltrami was missing this time around, but an equally capable composer took over and it was chilling. Composer Brian Tyler carries the torch in this installment and he nailed it in everyway. His score had my hair stand up on the back of my neck and kept my heart a flutter once I heard the familiar themes. The themes from the first film and even Dewey's theme kick in at the right moments and it gets you in the right mood for some awesome scares and emotional moments with the characters. The meta humor in this film spoke directly to all fandoms and the audience alike and it was expertly done. This film didn't forget its roots and continued to add to the family tree in a unexpected way. I loved this film and out the 4 that came before it, I think this might be my third favorite entry. This is a must see for all horror fans, a love letter to all Scream fans and a touching tribute to the Master Wes Craven that needs to be seen! Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
