Riveting, original and engrossing.

Rating: 10/10 (17 October 2000)

I loved the first Scream. I didn't know what to expect and I saw it at one of those cheap seat theatres. It was the most satisfying $1.50 I have ever spent on a movie. I've been watching horror movies since I was very young and the first scene of this movie had me on the edge of my seat and legitimately scared. The self aware feeling of the movie and the many references to past horror films was a double treat for any horror movie buff. Wes Craven attempted this with the last Nightmare on Elm Street (new Nightmare) and suceeded mildly. For Scream, he honed this wicked sense of comedy and made a ground breaking, unpredictable film.
All the acting performances in this film were leagues above all the movies it is paying homage to. Campbell was convincingly tortured and confused as Sidney. Ulrich was excellent and subtly creepy as Billy. Courtney Cox makes the best PMS affected, over achieving, self centered reporter I have ever seen. For once, a movie combined suspense, gore, and humor in a way that leaves the audience satisfied.