A true old school slasher homage

Rating: 9/10 (3 April 2009)

In the late 80s slasher died. It was slow and sorrowful death. The fans remained and the audience stayed true long after its passing. All that was left was the memory and sequels to past corner stones (Halloween, Nightmare on elm street, Friday the 13th). And then 1996 "Scream" came and breathed new life into the genre giving birth to one the greatest entry's and series in the genre.
Scream may be called a spoof but its more a homage. Pulling together the original elements (masked killer, teens being stalked, the killer using a hunting knife, and a twist in the end). But it is not a spoof. Its not making fun of the genre its paying well due respect.
The only difference is in Scream slashers exist and are consistently mentioned. A masked killer is recreating the films and the teens know it. But of course the practical police would rather play cat and mouse then sit through "Prom Night" which as Randy mentioned might have helped them out more then any silly lead would.
The idea is itself is creative. Instead of just doing a imitation that takes itself to seriously *cough* I know what you did last summer *cough* it makes it fun. Pokes are made at slashers on occasion but are mostly in good fun and are not insulting. It has a good balance of fun and serious such as when the killer is finally killed someone says (I won't disclose who so its not spoiled) "Now this is the part where the supposedly dead killer comes back for one last scare" and then yes thats just what happens. And of course you laugh and say to yourself "Of course!" but despite its comical moments it has a nerve racking tone that puts it in its genre.
The characters are as well a big part of the film's quality and they don't necessarily fallow the character stereotypes of slashers. We have Sidney Presscot, our main girl who will of course live in the end, She's strong, likable and just so happens to be the main target, We have Tatum Riley the silly best friend who you actually grow attached to and hope lives, The boyfriend Billy Loomis a smooth character who is suspect number 1, Billy's best friend and Tatum's boyfriend Stu Macher is a typical goof ball type but not the only comic relief, Randy Meeks is our slasher buff other comic relief character, Deputy Dewey Riley Tatum's older brother is a slightly slow but extremely lovable guy, And Gale Weathers is a very annoying, pretentious news reporter who wants to get the big scoop on the woodsboro murder spree and even pretends at first to like Dewey to get inside info and even though she is annoying at first she proves useful and I must admit you grow to like her. The character development is on a really personal level. You grow attached and really get to know the characters. Its hard to pin point the killer because you like them all. Even the first victim Casey Becker you feel for. In her 10 minute scene you get a real sense of her personality.
The acting is more real and not silly. No outlandish screaming and the actors just look like scared senseless people.
This movie is my personal all time favorite and a must see for any horror buff. If you're like me and are an obsessive slasher fan you'll get a kick out of the references and nods to all the classic slasher greats!