Scream VI

Grade: C+

There are certain rules you must be aware of if you find yourself attending a horror sequel to a “re-quel.” In the case of Scream VI, opening in theaters today, one of them is the usual scene where a character explains to others the “rules,” which of course happens here. They seem to know they are in a slasher film situation, but rather than leave town and block numbers, they continue to answer the phone, split up, not take enough weapons, and trap themselves by running upstairs, or locking themselves in bathrooms.

Another rule: the killer is amazingly resourceful, fast, and resilient. They are able to break down doors, keep their cool in a phone conversation while preparing to hurl a body one second later, and they have the restraint not to cry out and reveal their real voices when hit with something. Speaking of the iconic Ghostface voice, it sounds different. I miss the classic one, who sounded like Jack Nicholson with a cold. Though the voice talent is the same, over the years, he’s mellowed into a fusion of Warren Beatty and Kevin Spacey with a bad connection.

If it’s convenient to keep a character alive, they will do so with the old reliable “Don’t worry – I just got word that their injuries are minor and they’re going to be ok.” Those doctors in New York City and Woodsboro have some job security.

And finally, there will always be a Ghostface. It gets to feel routine and futile. As long as the money keeps rolling in and there’s demand, they’ll find a way, however contrived, to make another one happen. It’s no longer a case of “if,” but rather “who is it this time, and why.” It’s very episodic; it’s a new (but somehow the same) adventure, with hopefully some fun along the way. Scream VI has two scenes that I loved: the one involving the ladder, and the one in the subway, which had me looking away from the screen because the tension was unbearable. The rest is surprisingly bland and ho-hum. After the inevitable Scooby-Doo style removal of the mask(s), the obligatory explanation that follows (this one is particularly lengthy) is some of the most shameless awkward overacting and scenery-chewing I’ve seen – and from performers I enjoy and respect.

Scream VI isn’t terrible. This is a talented, attractive cast, with some great songs on the soundtrack. However, in its 4^th decade, with a predominantly new young unknown cast, and Neve Campbell gone, it feels so far removed from the magic of the first installment. I think we’ll see diminishing returns at this point – at least from an artistic standpoint. A neat thing they do in this franchise is bring actors who were killed in previous movies back for a beyond-the-grave cameo, whether it be from a character’s daydream or some found footage. If only they could somehow resurrect Wes Craven to ghost-direct.

Grade: C+