Scream 2



Plot Synopsis:

Two years after the events of the first film, Sidney and Randy are now in college. A new killer surfaces, set on making a real-life sequel. This forces our survivors to try and solve a new mystery and unmask the new killer. 

Positives:

Much like the first film, Kevin Williamson's writing is still incredibly sharp. The returning characters are just as entertaining as they were the first time around. One person who gets a bigger role, and actually gets to play a character in this movie is Liev Schreiber as Cotton Weary. He is just so good at playing a smarmy douchebag. Similar to the first movie, I also kind of love some of the background details that repeat viewings might warrant. The killers in this movie are pretty good too, even if they aren't as iconic as the killers in the first movie. I also appreciate that this movie (and the franchise as a whole really) actually furthers its returning characters and tries to develop them and make them grow as people. Nowhere does this feel more relevant than with Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers. She starts off the movie as her typical self-serving, cut-throat self. But, when one of the murders actually hits closer to home for her, that's really when her character starts shifting. 

Mixed Aspects:

This is probably the best place for me to really discuss the characters a little more. I mentioned the returning characters really being a highlight. However, I think some of the newer characters suffer a little more in comparison. Now, it's not to a huge extent or anything like that. At times, having a bigger cast can feel a little bit muddled. I can't be too hard on the movie for this since the original script got leaked online, and they had to pivot and re-write the ending. Characters were turned into the killer when that wasn't the original plan. At least one character survives the final movie, but was originally intended to die. Even Cotton was going to different arc in the original script. However, I will say, I very much prefer the ending he's given in the final cut. Finally, I mixed feelings on the opening scene. I appreciate that its something different from the first movie's opening. But, there are some required leaps in logic, namely one involving the bathroom stall, that might be a bit much for some.  

Negatives:

All right, I feel like anybody who's seen Scream 2 knew this was coming. The cafeteria scene. I feel like the hope was that it would be seen as charming. Instead, I think it's cheesy in the wrong way. Now, I don't mind the end result. But, I feel like there had to have been a better idea for a lead up to that result. I mean, when even some of the cast has admitted to not liking that scene, I feel like that should speak for itself. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Scream 2 is a pretty damn good sequel. It doesn't quite match the first film, but I don't necessarily think it needs to either. If you're a fan of the first one, you're gonna dig this one too. 

My Rating

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