Um...THE BEST!

Rating: 10/10 (4 April 1999)

Without a doubt. 'Scream' made me excited by movies again, particularly horror. I had thought I'd never be scared by a film again because one, I'm older, and two, horror sucked! Too much was relied on gore than actual terror. Yet from it's first opening minutes to the end credits, 'Scream' made me feel tension, laughter and exhilaration. Much to the thanks of writer Kevin Williamson (my new idol) and director Wes Craven.
Since pretty much everyone living outside a cave, knows at least OF 'Scream' and it's plot about a nut-job in a mask who taunts victims with horror trivia before dicing them up. I wanted to concentrate on something rarely focused on in horror. The acting.
Since 'Scream' went from the little film that could into a teen blockbuster, not enough credit was given to it's extraordinary cast. All of whom turn in strong, solid performances.
In what are usually throw away roles, Matthew Lillard and Jamie Kennedy grab their limited screen time and run as the almost cool, almost handsome but seriously funny Stu and horror buff geek Randy. Skeet Ulrich is intense but always creepy as Billy. David Arquette ads his own quirky appeal to the Barney Fifish deputy Dewey.
As for the lovely leading ladies, Drew Barrymore (who just can't seem to be bad) as Casey, is both tragic and phenomenal in her limited run. Courteney Cox surprises all with her very convincing portrayal of tabloid vixen Gail Weathers. In what is usually a thankless role of heroine's best friend, Rose McGowan takes the usually bimbo-esque(in any 80's slasher) character of Tatum and adds genuine sex appeal, smarts, and feistiness.
As for the heroine herself, Sidney Prescott,(a seriously underrated Neve Campbell) she is without a doubt one of, if not the most realistic characters you're likely to find in this genre. Strong, intelligent, resourceful, this is a character that would flourish in any film. Provided the beautiful Campbell is the one to infuse her perfect handle on teen-angst.
As for the film itself...EXCELLENT!...;o)