Movie Breakdown: Scream VI

Pre-Screening Stance:

Scream, which was the fifth entry in the franchise but a relaunch of sorts so it wasn’t called Scream 5, was pretty fun, and I feel like Scream VI, which is the continuation of the “relaunch of sorts” but is not called Scream 2, looks like it should be just as entertaining. Does anyone’s head hurt?

Post-Screening Ramble:

I had a blast with Scream VI. The story picks up with Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega) living in New York City. They’ve got a few new friends, but their core crew still features Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Mason (Chad Meeks-Martin), and collectively they’re all doing their best to move on from the events of the last film. Or, at least everyone is but Sam, who is not only mentally hung up on it, but also her physical existence is hampered by a prevailing theory that it was her who orchestrated everything that happened in Woodsboro with Richie (Jack Quaid). Enter a new Ghostface, which puts the gang on the run, and marks the arrival of Detective Bailey (Dermot Mulroney) and a pair of familiar faces, Gale (Courtney Cox) and Kirby (Hayden Panettiere).

Like previous Scream entries, the meta horror headiness rules all here. Though, in an effort to not make it sound so routine, I have to say that the film’s great deal of discussions and distractions are as dialed in as ever, and it’s all so fun and engaging that just can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Kudos to co-directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett for keeping such a kinetic pace and to the writing team for efficiently connecting so many dots. On the performance front, some of them are good, some of them aren’t, but they swirl together in a way that actually benefits the film, as it further masks who the killer(s) may be. I’m guessing this is an unintended effect, but it works and adds to what’s an overall rather entertaining ride.

Scream VI is a really good time. You should see it when it hits theaters this Friday, March 10.

One Last Thought:

For the last Scream, this section of the review was dedicated to just how much stabbing happens throughout the movie. Well, I’m happy to report that this hasn’t changed at all for Scream VI – when the stabbing happens, it’s wild and prolonged.