Teen slasher with an edge

Rating: 9/10 (8 September 2001)

Wes Craven & Kevin Williamson's slasher came as a blessing, but is now unfortunately looked back upon as the movie that opened the floodgates for dozens of undesirable and truly awful cash-ins.
It's important, therefore, to look at Scream for what it is, and ignore the imitators (AND the sequels), and judge it as an individual film, free from the influence of what this movie resurrected.
There are many things to admire in this film. It stands out from most other slashers by making the film not *just* about the killings. While the murders and nearly-murders are masterly executed with flair, there is significant entertainment to be found elsewhere. It is the satirical humour which gives 'Scream' its edge. 'Scream' is like watching a spoof without it going to ridiculous and unsubtle lengths (a la Scary Movie), but instead taking more thought-out stabs at modern culture and, more than anything else, other horror movies (and indeed itself).
On top of the comedy value, slick direction and thrilling set pieces ('thrilling', never terrifying), we have the wholly likeable characters and an ideal cast. Matthew Lillard is great as the repulsive, idiotic Stu, David Arquette is very funny as dim Dewey, and Skeet Ulrich is nicely creepy as the dodgy boyfriend. Neve Campbell has the wettest role, but she excels as scream queen Sidney. However it is Courteney Cox and Rose McGowan's sparky performances that really stand out. A horror movie is not the place to expect Oscar-calibre acting, but Scream couldn't have asked for a better cast, as everyone nails their characters perfectly.
I, like many others, have tired of Williamson's self-referential style of writing, and suspect he's a one trick pony, but that's not to say it was a great trick... the first time around.
Overall grade: A -