The Terror Continues
Scream 2 Does What Sequels Should

This may be one of the most difficult reviews I have ever had to write. Scream 2 depends on a number of plot twists and startling events to carry the story, so I find myself unable to discuss the movie at any length without spoiling the surprises. Rest assured, however, that there will be NO spoilers in this column. I hate reading reviews that tell too much, and I refuse to write one.

Suffice to say, if you never saw the now-classic horror film Scream, you probably have no desire to see the sequel. If you loved the original as much as I did, you will find this latest offering from Wes Craven more than satisfying. In fact, you may be wondering (as I did) if it surpasses the first movie.

In a nutshell, the horrible murders of the first film have become the basis of a book and movie (called "Stab") by the time the film begins. Neve Campbell reprises her role from the original as Sidney Prescott, one of the few survivors of the Woodsboro Murders. Along with her pal Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy) she has gone off to college in an effort to get on with her life. Unfortunately, the publicity from the book and movie will not let her live in peace.

Also appearing in the sequel are Courtney Cox as the assertive television reporter who helped save Sidney's life the first go around, and David Arquette as the "Barney-Fife-ish" Deputy Dewey who lost his little sister to the Woodsboro Murderers. New to the cast are Jerry O'Connell (television's "Sliders") as Sidney's new boyfriend, Derek; Timothy Olyphant as Mickey, Randy's classmate in film school; and Sarah Michelle Gellar (television's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") as a sorority sister.

Fans of the movie Scream will recognize the wit and cynicism of the original. Even while on the verge of a new set of grisly murders, the principle characters find things to joke about. Even sequels get their share of derision, as the phrase "sequels suck" is often repeated. It is a strange sensation to be laughing out loud one minute only to be totally shocked by gut-wrenching violence the next. It is certainly a testament to Craven's mastery of the genre.

Of course, what makes Scream 2 such a unique film is that it does not rely on any of the staples of common horror movies. It is a well written, highly engrossing, and thoroughly enjoyable film which terrifies without resorting to cheap theatrics. (Okay, maybe one or two cheap theatrics.) Still, when people are dying left and right, one would almost expect the audience to become callous and uncaring. That never happens, though.

Horror movies may never be considered art outside of their own genre, and Scream 2 is no exception. It will never win an Academy Award but that's okay. In its own way, this movie is destined to become a classic. As for me, I can't wait for Scream 3.

MY RATING: 8 out of 10.

RATED:
RUN TIME: 120 min.

The Terror Continues Scream 2 Does What Sequels Should

The Terror Continues
Scream 2 Does What Sequels Should