Review of Scream 2 (1997) by Katie B — 10 Apr 2011

"Let's face it baby, these days, you gotta have a sequel." The perfect set up for another Scream movie. Scream 2 brings back the loveable characters in a sequel that's not only bloody, but touches on psychological and emotional thrills.

Sidney Prescott is the psychological victum again. 2 years later after the tragic events in Woodsboro, Sidney's story (based on Gale Weathers's book) has turned into a major motion picture. While being harassed at college by media and jokers once again, a copycat killer is on the loose aiming at Sidney again. But because of the rules of horror sequels, who could Sidney trust? Kevin Williamson once again writes another intelligent story that's as unexpected and thrilling as it is funny and emotional. The social commentary is back again, like the first movie's connection between violence and media, this one is about violence's connection with movies. People love violence, that's the theme of Scream. But this sequel has another theme going for it. The man Sidney sent to jail for a year comes back to see her, but for media publicity. Forgiveness is another noticeably strong theme in this story, and that's what makes the Scream movies a step up from regular slasher, serial killer movies.

Because of the intelligent writing, Wes Craven once again can direct with his full potential. All the suspence and paranoia that made the first movie so good is present again. But this time there's something a little different. Because the movie takes place at a college, the area is bigger, the camera can move around more, and the sence of agoraphobia is risen. Wes Craven uses lots of quick tracking, panning and following camera movements to give a great thrilling feeling. the different sets and filming locations are used wonderfully with the story and the suspenceful nature of the story. But it's not just the thrills that are good, Wes Craven also presents a very effective look at it's characters, the emotional struggle they're in and all the drama of the moments.

Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox truely bring out the great character developement that this movie needs. Their performences and our familiarity of the characters from the first movie makes Scream 2 entertaining, and the comedic writing and thrilling directing make it a worth while sequel.