Wes Craven Does It Again! Only BETTER!!!

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2003)

The movie "Stab" has just been released. Based on the actual events in Woodsboro, and the national best-selling book by Gail Weathers, the publicity and following of the movie are astounding.
The movie-goers don the the costume distributed by the studio, and everyone looks like the killer. When a movie-goer is killed, no one knows who the actual killer is, as they are all dressed alike.
Back with the original cast (YAY!), director (BIGGER YAY!), and complete with the same respect given to other horror films of our time, this movie even surpasses the original. The edge was still there, the suspense was brilliantly recaptured and the humor was dark and witty; clever and intelligent.
All the successful key elements were present from the first installment of this series: the acknowledgment by the characters that they are still in a horror movie; the use and discussion of other real movies thereby perpetuating the homage factor of thees movies; and the well developed, believable, lovable characters.
"You think someone is trying to make a real-life sequel?" drama
professor.
PLOT: The killings have begun again. With the arrest(s) made in Woodsboro from the last rash of tragedies, everyone thought it was over. But Sidney's life just is not built that way. "To think this fuss is all because of you. I mean, not directly, but in some 'Six-Degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon' way."
With the return of Gail Weathers and Dewey Riley, it hits both Sidney and Randy that this is really happening, again.
"Wow. Nothing like a funeral to bring the family together." Randy.
At the release of Cotton Weary from prison, Sidney is confronted with him face-to-face without warning or preparation. Needless to say, it doesn't go very well, and leaves Cotton standing there with his face hanging out, still waiting for his "10 minutes of fame."
Meanwhile, Gail's book has defamed Dewey and he is none too happy about it. His pride is wounded and he has an axe to grind; primarily over Gail's head. His role is expanded and he gets far more screen time in this installment, which I found refreshing and his character to be delightful.
As hard as it is to make a good sequel, incredibly Wes Craven manages to surpass the original and manages to truly SCARE us without being repetitive, redundant, predictable or boring.
Amazingly well done, highly entertaining and a classic in the genre of horror.
The suspense element is never cheapened, the element of surprise is always present and the performances by all involved is completely professional, believable and creatively presented.
This production has well earned its reputation as a masterpiece in the horror field.
The first installment of this series got an 8.89/10.
This one rates a 9.42/10 from...
the Fiend :.