Falling short of expectations

Rating: Null/10 (24 April 1999)

While the first Scream was cleverly written, Scream 2 falls short of expectations. This is good film, don't get me wrong, but, at times, the 'we're taking the rip out of horror films' lines, especially from Randy, wear a bit thin. The script is well written but does tend to be very similar to other films of its genre, such as 'I know what you did last summer', and its use of teen style language may appeal to some viewers, but others may find it tedious. The murder scenes are well choreographed and executed (if you don't mind the pun) and are seemingly authentic. What lets this film down is its choice of murderers. I won't let on (for anyone who hasn't seen the film) but the characters are somewhat under developed and in the case of the second killer, well, they could have placed any character in that role and the effect would have fairly similar. I cannot fault the acting, but in this film it was the unlikely character of Randy who shone. Jamie Kennedy's performance was superb; it wasn't his fault that some of his lines were shoddy. This movie also belonged to Courtney Cox, who, although tremendous, did play the 'psycho-Barbie newsgirl' a little too harshly at some points. Nevertheless, this is a great movie despite its faults and is well worth seeing.