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Scream (1996)

Scream (1996)

Laura’s Rating: 3/5 Stars


The first in a franchise of slasher flicks directed by Wes Craven, this movie is a staple in popular culture. I had watched scenes before, but never viewed the whole movie. With Scream (2022) recently being released in theaters, it felt like the right time to watch the original.


The Analysis:


The movie opens with high school student Casey Becker (played by young Drew Barrymore) receiving a phone call from an unknown caller. What starts as a flirty and mysterious conversation quickly becomes a terrifying game of life and death as the caller demands she answer trivia questions about horror movies or face deadly consequences.


Ah yes, the horror movie that makes fun of horror movies. Filled with quotes and tropes from other films, Scream uses these clichés to create a self-aware slasher flick that feels fresh because it admits to being basic. I’ve often heard that Scream strikes the right balance between parody and actual horror, and while I didn’t find it especially scary, I agree that it has the right amount of both. Less humor and sarcasm would make it a low-quality horror movie with nothing new to offer, while more humor and less horror would miss the point.


Despite being self aware and witty, the movie isn’t exactly a cinematic masterpiece (but it’s not trying to be). The best part was Matthew Lillard, who is goofy and hilarious and carries the movie in my opinion, with Courtney Cox and David Arquette giving good performances as well. My favorite thing about the movie is the homage it pays to popular horror movies. It makes both direct references and more nuanced nods to films like Friday the 13th, Prom Night, Psycho, and of course, Halloween. If you’re in the mood for a slasher movie with a twist, or just love movie references, Scream is the perfect watch for your next movie night.

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