Still holds up on it's wit and scares

Rating: 8/10 (8 April 2011)

I would like to point out that the version of Scream I watched was the "Director's Cut" of the film. To my knowledge, it hasn't been released on DVD to this date. I bought it at Comic Con about a year ago for $5 since I bought a complete series of a show that was around $30. I got $10 off. Some would like to know what the differences are from the theatrical cut to the director's cut. Thanks to the DVD cover that says what the film has different from the original I can say.
Here is what it says word for word; "The Director's Cut version includes additional GORE!! Close up of Steve's intestines as they fall from his stomach. Casey as she hangs from the tree at normal speed. Longer scene of Tatum's head being crushed by the garage door. Kenny looking up at the killer after his throat is cut. Billy going berserk as he stabs Stuart. Stuart's hand dripping blood into a puddle (after the double stab)." I wouldn't go nuts looking for the a bootleg copy on Ebay or iOffer. The director's cut maintains the same one hundred and eleven minute runtime and the shots are quick seconds shots that are hardly noticeable. Though I will say the close up of the intestines was one of the many great things on the disc.
But what can you say about Scream? It's one of the defining horror films of the nineties. It pokes fun at the clichés in horror films and even goes as far as almost mocking them. Director Wes Craven knew what he was doing precisely when making Scream. He wanted the characters to be extremely self aware they were in a horror film and make them reference other eighties classics.
In the eighties, slasher films got their break. So many horror movies made by so many defunct companies were released at hyper speed. Literally one every weekend. Some like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street went on to be the poster children of the genre. While others like Don't Answer the Phone, Happy Birthday to Me, and Maniac chilled on the sidelines to get recognized years later by cult fans of the genre.
I'm not going to take time explaining the plot because I feel it's unnecessary. Many have seen it and a synopsis isn't really vital. I have a lot to say about this and don't need to extend a review with a plot most people would know. Is that okay? Scream now or forever hold your pieces.
Scream knows when to be scary and went to be witty. Frequent references to Friday the 13th, Halloween, and A Nightmare on Elm Street (another Craven film) are made sporadically. The references never feel forced and are easy to catch.
Once more the film followed with sequels which makes some sort of sense. The film runs for only an hour and fifty one minutes. There is so much more that could be incorporated. Wes Craven went on direct all three (and the upcoming forth film) so decreasing in quality doesn't sound like something that will happen. I hope not at least.
Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, and Matthew Lillard are all great and it's no doubt why this film sort of formed all of their great careers. It's a thrill that Campbell, Arquette, and Cox will be returning in Scream 4 making me sort of an easy sale.
I look forward to watching the sequels at the same time I'm not. I sort of know I'll like them, but they will most likely lack in quality when compared to the first film. It hit hard when it first came out. Lets hope the sequels continue to refresh and keep the formula alive.
Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Roger L. Jackson, and Drew Barrymore. Directed by: Wes Craven.