Scream some more (Scream 2 (DVD))

Member Name: bilbob20

Product:	Scream 2 (DVD)
Date:	03/02/08 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A decent script and the return of the best characters from the first film

Disadvantages: Sequels are rarely as good, this one's okay

So while we are talking the conventions of horror, its nearly a set-in-stone rule that sequels are never as good as their predecessors. Scream set the benchmark for 90s horror by turning the horror film on its head, whilst applying all its own rules, and kick starting a new franchise.

Scream 2 kicks off with a whole host of new characters, as well as the return of a few mainstays. Gail Weathers book about the original horrors has been turned into a film called Stab. Sidney Prescott is at university, and only see's some of her friends ocassionally. When murder starts at the campus where she is studying, Sidney soon finds herself back with Gail and Dewey as they once again attempt to outwit the killer and stay alive. Meanwhile Sidney's classmates and friends are being picked off one by one in grotesque deaths that are splattered across the screen for maximum effect.

Scream 2 is one of those sequels that equals its original. Its witty and smart while being gorier and more thrilling. Wes Craven is back on hand to wrack up the tension and up the ante. The rules of the sequel (the main one being that all sequels suck) are applied here, which means their aren't so many rules to abide by. Namely, its chaos everywhere. But the chaos is envisioned very well.

Neve Campbell is once again excellent, and has the advantage of a known back story to call upon in her performance. She does pain very well, but she can also scream and cry on queue. Courtney Cox, despite becoming one of the goodies in film number 1, still has her bitchy ways, and still uses anybody she can to get source material for her stories. An exchange between her and Dewey reveals exactly the kind of person she is. David Arquette is still as pleasant, and affable as ever. Although, you wouldn't want a cop like him around in an emergency. He's as much use as a pole dancer at a kids party. An appearance by Sarah Michelle Gellar also adds a little more injokery to the film - given that her success as Buffy was just taking off round about this films release.

The story is just a little more unbelievable than the first film. But then what do you do when you kill off the killer in an expected hit - and have to come up with a sequel. You need to find another killer and make it as believable as possible. Craven just about pulls it off, turning this into a revenge thriller, rather than just making it a thriller about horror films.

If Scream 2 has less to say than its first film, its only because horror sequel's generally suck - as is pointed out in the film. Can you think of another decent Number 2 film in any horror series. Elm Street 2, Halloween 2, Friday 13 2 - all of them were rotten films that destroyed the spirit of the originals. Scream 2 takes the ingredients of the first film and throws in a few extra tasters just to make the ride all the more exciting. And its great to see all the main characters return - thats loyalty for you.

Summary: Scream 2 takes the conventions of the sequel and plays around to good effect.