Doomed to mediocrity by its own merits

Rating: 6/10 (1 November 2005)

I have to give Kevin Williamson credit. His attempt to revive a dead genre is entertaining, but any script - even an intelligent one like Williamson's - that is based on parody and smack-you-in-the-face horror film references is by definition unoriginal. I admit I enjoyed patting myself on the back during various parts of the film for understanding the winks and nods, but as I became more focused on catching the script's sub-references I inevitably became less interested in the plot and its characters.
I know that it's supposed to be a fun, don't-take-me-too-seriously kinda movie, but I just thought it could've been better. Especially since the film started out with such promise. The opening scene with Drew Barrymore is slasher cinema at its best. Young girl, home alone, cue creepy phone caller, etc. The best way to instill fear in filmgoers is to make them believe that IT could happen to them, and it was easy to empathize with Drew as she became a prisoner in her own house to someone she couldn't see. The rest of the scene while not perfect (I thought it would've worked fine without the boyfriend's involvement) is a testament to Barrymore's acting ability. In five minutes she was able to make me care whether or not she survived the scene, which of course she doesn't (the scene's end in particular was one of the best parts of the movie).
Unfortunately, though, that scene was director Wes Craven's only highlight. The rest of the movie devolves from a horror flick with potential into a Franken-film made up of slasher clichÃ©s that are supposed to be rendered fresh simply because the script is self-aware. And I have to say it just bugs me that Wes repeatedly has the killer chasing a victim from inches away at high speed only to be thwarted, oftentimes temporarily, by some sort of Keystone Koppish maneuver. Totally unnecessary and totally not scary. Even more so if it was a conscious attempt to parody chase scenes from earlier films.
If you're a fan of slasher films then this movie is a must-see just so you can feel good about your knowledge of the genre and its conventions. If you're looking to be scared, however, then stick to the classics.