After 6 films this franchise should continue making sequels for as long as possible. Especially if you’re able to deliver something as fresh as this latest sequel did. You would think the story would be repetitive at this point but fortunately, that’s not the case with this latest chapter. There are a ton of surprises to experience that are nearly impossible to predict which makes this experience at the movie theater worth your while, and might even leave your jaw on the floor from shock. Audience members are sure to have at least a decent time at the theaters, if not amazing if they decide to take part in this at the theater. This by far doesn’t mean the film is perfect, because it still has flaws that many slasher films are guilty of, but at this point it may be as expected and will receive a pass from most of its loyal fans.
The knife-wielding Ghostface killer is back, and it’s as if he or she has powered up to near superhuman levels. As each film is released it seems that the killer instinct for violence is heightened. This time the killer is even bolder than before which makes them even scarier. Whether events are taking place during the night or in broad daylight this killer doesn’t care and will stop at nothing to kill their victims. It’s as if the killer wants to get caught and will receive pleasure in murdering multiple people while other innocent bystanders are watching. Think about this, if you’re going throughout your day and you see a masked person stabbing someone to death at a grocery store on aisle five, would the average person jump in to help as if they’re a superhero savior? You would hope so, but in reality, some would jump in, while others would run and yell in a panic. It appears the Ghostface killer has studied the psychology of the average person’s mind and took full advantage of this which makes them much more horrifying. That is all over this film, and it’s what makes this sixth film so fascinating.
The amount of violence is raised to newer levels too. The Scream films have always been a blood fest, but the makers of this chapter have raised the bar on that front as well too. If you’re extra sensitive to brutal violence proceed with caution. It’s quite disturbing how some people can take a life with no remorse in the slightest and then carry out their day as if everything is normal. Murder is bad no matter how you slice it, but it can in some cases be understood if the person committing the act went through some form of trauma (still no excuse and these people still need professional help and punishment). The murderer here is the former having no care in the world who they harm, and for ridiculous reasons too. This makes the story even more uncomfortable to watch but still entertaining.
There’s a great cast to continue this franchise as well. Even though Sidney’s (Neve Campbell) character is absent this time around there’re still others who are worthy of leading the franchise. This comes from Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tar (Jenna Ortega) with their sibling relationship which was fantastic. Of course they love each other dearly and want the best for one another, and it clearly shows on screen. Towards the beginning of the film, they are clashing back and forth, but you don’t know which side you want to root for. You love them both and can see where each person is coming from. They’re both right in the way they want to handle this situation and live their lives, and you can’t help but want the best for them. The dynamic between the two of them was realistic, which makes it difficult not to care about their well-being.
Another triumph of this film is how self-aware it is. This wasn’t executed to the best of its abilities in part 5, but the filmmakers knocked it out of the park this time around. The dialogue that was constructed felt pure in how it addressed that this is the sixth film in the franchise and how the characters in the story relate to the Hollywood structure of filmmaking. It was brilliant, true, and hilarious. It was a highlight and as stated above gives more room for even more sequels in an organic way. Nothing felt forced at all, and it may even make you a bigger fan of this film franchise than before.
Still leaning on the positives of this film, the introduction was top notch and there’s no way you would see it coming. The ending of the film is just the same. No matter how hard someone may try, it is very difficult to try to predict who the killer(s) are under the cloak and Ghostface mask. I personally am never able to guess who the culprit is, and I wasn’t able to here either. As before with the past films, I was shocked and even more surprised now by how the film kept me guessing.
However, as mentioned above this film is not perfect by far which is so disappointing. The reason being is at one point and time this could be considered one of the best in the entire franchise. But there is one large aspect that holds it back from obtaining that crown. These are some of the dumbest characters in the world. After six films that are all linked together, it’s ridiculous how potential victims are not strapped from head to toe with weapons. You would think that if someone is trying to murder you year after year, you would have every knife, gun, or random weapon ready at your disposal attached to your hip but that’s not the case. Slight spoiler coming but there was one character who showed up to the final showdown asking where are the weapons instead of bringing their own. This is ridiculous making you not want to root for the characters anymore from their level of stupidity. You also have characters that go out of their way to separate themselves from the group. This is moronic! I could understand if this is the first film, but it’s not. Not only that, some of the characters that are explaining the severity of the situation to the rest of the group are the ones making the illogical decisions. It makes no sense at all and is painful to watch. You also have the classic horror movie troupe of when you knock the bad guy killer (Ghostface) on the ground obtaining an advantage you run away instead of monkey stomping their face with your foot until they’re dead. This happened too many times in this film. There’s also another scene that is textbook ludicrous where the killer is trapped and instead of waiting for the police, the characters decide to run away. This aspect may destroy the experience for some because it’s just that bad, but hopefully, audience members will forgive this huge misstep.
In the end, this film also does a great job of linking this story with past films if you’re not able to remember all the details that tie them all together. There are callbacks to the first film, and it’s all relevant to enhance the story. These Scream movies aren’t for everyone and can get a little silly at times, but at the very least they’re fun and entertaining. I praise it due to the number of surprises it has and not just being a lazy cash grab from a popular 90’s franchise. It would be a shame if they don’t make more at this point, because if the filmmakers can still be as creative as they were this time around there’s no telling how far this franchise will go. I just hope that can give the protagonists a bit more common sense, because that’s the only thing holding this part 6 back from being outstanding and amazing.
7/10