Big City Slashing

Scream 6 is a definite improvement over last years weak entry in the franchise. In fact Scream 2022 now feels like a modestly budgeted water tester, putting the stabers out to see if there was appetite for a proper sequel.

Things start with a bang, the introduction being the most interesting flip on the standard opening kill to date and from there its clear there is a cleqr sense of ambition about preceedings. Relocating to New York gives everything a fresh feel and a sense of scope that the last entry lacked with the film making good use of the opportunity to see a Ghostface acting differently. Rather than lurk in the shadows the killer can now hide in plain site and this iteration of the stabby Munch fan has some great dialogue and physicality. They also deliver some of the most graphic slayings a Scream outing has seen. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega return as the Carpenter sisters and put in good performances even if the tension between them feels forced.

There are issues, mostly regarding some franchise tropes that have overstayed their welcome. The "these are the rules" chat has gone beyond self referential meta commentary and is so clunky and forced here that it is far more likely to illicit an eye roll than an appreciative nod. People shrugging off obviously fatal stab wounds may be a Scream staple but it is out of control this time round to the point it feels like proceedings are robbed of any real stakes. The killer reveal also feels like a bit of a let down as the movie flirts with far more interesting possibilities. Depending on your point of view the fact that these possibilities may well be followed up on in another instalment is either a tantalising possibility or the kind of annoying idea stretching all too common in modern franchise movie making.

Scream 6 brings back the gloss and ups the gore. Its far from the pinnacle of the series but deserves to sit in the knife block.

7 legacy masks out of 10 halloween costumes.

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