Scream (2022)

8/10

In this fifth entry in the film series, but with the same name as the first, a new group of teens become targets of yet another Ghostface killer. 

Pretty clever, solid and entertaining script with a lot of funny lines. There a couple surprises. Not since the first film and its meta look at its own genre of horror movies, has a Scream film has such solid things to say about movies. This is a fairly entertaining commentary on requels/soft reboots (the movie itself), franchise fatigue, and fandom. The movie's also self-aware of how the slasher and basic violence-based horror is a dying breed in a world where elevated horror (psychological or social commentary) currently reigns.   

The attacks and kills in this can get pretty brutal. Although the big finale is appropriately violent as is the course with these movies, it does lack a certain oomph that you found in 1, 2, and 4. (I rightfully can't remember 3's ending much. It's been years since I've seen it and I can't go back. I tried once, but it's so unwatchable.) Though I like this movie, I admit that the choreography and cinematography can't match what Wes Craven brought to the first and second Screams.     

Liked the new cast. Unlike the last film, which balanced the new group of teens and the franchise's main trio, I felt this one took the wiser route and focused more on the new faces that may help carry the franchise onward allowing us to get to know them more. To be honest, Sidney Prescott's story feels played out and you can only do so much with her after a while, not to mention Gale and Dewey. Remember how their last subplot was a dull and unnecessary difference of opinions? By focusing on new lead Sam Carpenter (played by Melissa Barrera), I became invested in her. Of the new cast, I'd say the best would have to be Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Sam's boyfriend Richie Kirsch (Jack Quaid). Mindy is the new horror movie expert and she is able to differentiate herself from her predecessors in that role in by having a personality that's a little too chill and laid back with all the horrible things going on. Richie is just funny; he has some of the best lines and delivery here. That having been said, of the original trio, Dewey (David Arquette) definitely has the best material to work with. The once amateurish deputy has developed into a sorta grizzled, hardened veteran by this point. 

I'd rate this below 1 and 2 and above 4 and 3. (To be clear, I'm a fan of 4 and this didn't beat it by much.) Recommended. I can't say it as good as the original or quite have the magic brought Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson, but it's another good entry in a franchise that's been surprisingly solid for the most part.