Review of Scream 2 (1997) by Joshua B — 08 Jan 2012
Scream's lightning-in-a-bottle success would seem to suggest that any sequel would just be a rehash of the first. To a large extent, that is exactly what Scream 2 is, using the same basic formula. And while it does exhibit diminishing returns -- character motivations revealed in the third act are especially unsatisfying -- , writer Kevin Williamson's clever script touches make this in some respects better than the first.
It's the little touches wherein lies the charm, like the precredits sequence that finds Ghostface committing a murder during the premiere of a film called Stab, based on the events of the first Scream movie, in full view of an audience of fans dressed as Ghostface.
Or the way a character remarks how horror sequels are always inferior to the original, as the film proceeds to both check the boxes and lampoon sequel tropes. The satire is in the self-awareness, and it's on the nose.
This review of Scream 2 (1997) was written by Joshua B on 08 Jan 2012.
Scream 2 has generally received positive reviews.
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